Congress investigates Blackhawk's ADS B transmission failure after January 29 tragedy

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened on March 27, 2025, to discuss the preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the midair collision that occurred on January 29. The meeting focused on the critical need for a thorough investigation and the importance of preventing future tragedies.

The committee emphasized the necessity for a measured congressional response to the incident, urging that actions should not be taken hastily. Members expressed a strong commitment to ensuring that such a loss of life does not happen again. The discussions highlighted the unresolved questions surrounding the collision, particularly concerning the Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) system on the Blackhawk helicopter involved in the incident.

Key concerns were raised about whether the ADS-B was turned off or if there was a malfunction in the equipment. These questions are pivotal in understanding the circumstances that led to the collision and in developing strategies to enhance aviation safety.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued investigation and collaboration among various stakeholders to address the issues identified in the preliminary report. The committee plans to follow up on the findings and ensure that necessary measures are implemented to prevent future accidents.