The tragic disaster in Washington DC is so horrible

This was a disaster waiting to happen. Apparently it's a regular thing for Army helicopters to fly right across what is essentially the final approach airspace to DCA. ATC told the helicopter to circle behind that jet, but apparently the helicopter pilot didn't see the plane. I think the FAA needs to look at how the airspace is managed around airports more carefully. IMO no aircraft should ever be flying through airspace that is part of the approach and departure pattern perpendicular to the aircraft landing an taking of from the airport.
 
This was a disaster waiting to happen. Apparently it's a regular thing for Army helicopters to fly right across what is essentially the final approach airspace to DCA. ATC told the helicopter to circle behind that jet, but apparently the helicopter pilot didn't see the plane. I think the FAA needs to look at how the airspace is managed around airports more carefully. IMO no aircraft should ever be flying through airspace that is part of the approach and departure pattern perpendicular to the aircraft landing an taking of from the airport.
Apparently, the commercial jet was going to land on runway 1, but was rerouted to runway 33 (330 degrees), which shifted its approach to a more easterly route.

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heli-routes-lg.jpg
 
Apparently, the commercial jet was going to land on runway 1, but was rerouted to runway 33 (330 degrees), which shifted its approach to a more easterly route.

crashsite-xl.png



heli-routes-lg.jpg
It is known as a sidestep approach. They used the ILS on runway 01 and sidestep to 33 which doesn't have ILS.
 
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