Recent hearings by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into the deadly midair collision between an Army helicopter and a passenger plane near Washington, D.C., have uncovered significant failures in aviation safety protocols. Key testimony has revealed that the Army helicopter was operating above altitude limits and that faulty equipment, such as a defective altitude gauge, may have contributed to the disaster. Investigators emphasized the lack of certain anti-collision systems in the aircraft involved. The hearings also highlighted a troubling culture within air traffic control, with controllers feeling pressure to maintain operations despite safety concerns. The NTSB chair expressed frustration over regulatory failures, questioning how safety measures could have been overlooked, ultimately resulting in 67 tragic fatalities. Families of victims are now calling for systemic changes to prevent similar incidents in the future, as the investigation continues to unravel the complex interactions and failures that led to this catastrophic event.