On January 29, 2025, at 8:47 p.m. and a height of 278 feet above the Potomac River, a midair collision occurred near Washington National Airport (DCA). This event marked the end of an unprecedented 16-year period without a major US airline disaster, a safety record that many aviation professionals had never witnessed. The collision involved a PSA Airlines CRJ-700, operated by American Eagle, piloted by Captain Jonathan Campos and First Officer Sam Lilley.

Despite the shock of the tragedy, many who worked in the busy airspace around DCA felt that an accident at this location was, in hindsight, not entirely surprising. The article suggests that the disaster was the result of decades of interlocking interests and policies, creating a complex environment where those with a full understanding of the risks lacked the authority to enact change, and those with the power to make changes did not perceive the systemic issues.

The incident has prompted bureaucratic action, leading to safety improvements. However, the article warns that the underlying forces that contributed to the collision remain active, potentially leading to future disasters. The story delves into the systemic dysfunctions within the aviation industry, exploring how these issues contributed to the tragic midair collision.