Before the accident between a military helicopter and a commercial plane at Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, there was a crucial communication between air traffic controllers and the helicopter pilot. An audio recording obtained by CNN shows that the controllers asked the helicopter if it had the commercial flight in sight, then instructed it to pass behind it. Shortly after, the helicopter pilot confirmed that he had the aircraft in sight and requested visual separation.
About 13 seconds after this communication, sounds of heavy breathing and a loud exclamation were heard in the control tower, alerting other pilots to what had happened. A controller announced the collision involving American Eagle Flight 5342 and the military helicopter, urging operations to cease and recommending that pilots coordinate with the airline.
American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by American Airlines, was in the approach phase for landing at Ronald Reagan Airport when the collision occurred. The tragedy led to the indefinite suspension of operations and a call for coordination with the relevant authorities.
