A witness to a mid-air collision near Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport has come forward to describe the terrifying event. The collision, which took place during the height of air traffic near the airport, caused widespread panic as multiple aircraft were involved in a close encounter. The witness, who was aboard one of the planes, recalls a sudden, alarming noise, followed by a sharp jolt as the planes passed dangerously close to one another.
According to the witness, the situation unfolded rapidly, with the aircraft experiencing turbulence and sudden changes in altitude. “I was looking out the window, and I saw another plane coming at us very quickly. We swerved just in time to avoid what could have been a catastrophic collision,” the witness explained. Despite the close call, the flight crew maintained calm, reassuring passengers that everything was under control. The witness noted the professionalism of the flight attendants and pilots, who remained composed even in the face of a potentially life-threatening situation.
Air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport were also quick to act, directing the aircraft to safer altitudes and ensuring that a potential disaster was averted. Following the incident, the FAA launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the near collision, which involved a combination of heavy air traffic, communication issues, and misaligned flight paths.
While no injuries were reported, the event has raised questions about air traffic control protocols and the safety measures in place to prevent such incidents. Experts have called for enhanced technology and improved communication systems to better handle the increasing number of flights in busy airspaces like that of Washington, D.C. This close call serves as a reminder of the complexities of managing air traffic in high-density regions.