Synopsis of the Mid-Air Collision at Reagan Airport

Ultimately, yes, this was an ATC error. When the controller asked if the helicopter had the “CRJ” in sight and received an affirmative response, the helicopter crew was actually looking at another CRJ. This misidentification led to the loss of separation.

Proper phraseology should have been:

ATC to Helicopter: “TRAFFIC 10 O’CLOCK, ONE MILE, (should have been called much earlier) AT YOUR ALTITUDE, A CRJ, DO YOU HAVE IT IN SIGHT?”

Helicopter Pilot: “AFFIRMATIVE, WE’LL MAINTAIN VISUAL SEPARATION.”

ATC: “VISUAL SEPARATION APPROVED, PASS BEHIND THE CRJ ON FINAL TO RUNWAY 33, CAUTION WAKE TURBULENCE.”

ATC to CRJ: “TRAFFIC 2 O’CLOCK, ONE MILE (should have been called much earlier), HELICOPTER AT YOUR ALTITUDE, DO YOU HAVE IT IN SIGHT?”

The key issues in this incident:

1. ATC’s critical mistake – The controller did not confirm that the helicopter had correctly identified the intended aircraft before approving visual separation.

2. Traffic should have been issued to the CRJ as well – The CRJ should have been made aware of the helicopter’s position to ensure mutual situational awareness.

3. Importance of precise phraseology – If the controller had used clearer and more explicit traffic callouts, the misidentification could have been avoided.

4. Wake turbulence risk – Even with correct visual separation, wake turbulence from the CRJ on final approach posed a significant hazard to the helicopter.

This incident underscores the necessity of strict adherence to ATC phraseology, confirmation procedures, and proper issuance of traffic advisories to prevent misidentifications and ensure safe separation.