An American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter plunged into the Potomac River after a midair collision Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C.

Important context:

  • January 20: FAA director fired
  • January 21: Air Traffic Controller hiring frozen
  • January 22: Aviation Safety Advisory Committee disbanded
  • January 28: Buyout/retirement demand sent to existing employees
  • January 29: First American mid-air collision in 16 years

Staffing was not normal at air traffic control