Davids Statement Following NTSB Hearing on January Midair Collision

Today, following the conclusion of last week’s National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) three-day investigative hearing into the tragic January midair collision between Flight 5342 from ICT to DCA with a military helicopter, Representative Sharice Davids issued the following statement:

“I’m grateful to the National Transportation Safety Board for their thorough, transparent, and thoughtful work,” said Davids. “Their diligence and professionalism reflect the seriousness of the midair collision that took 67 lives and the importance of ensuring our skies are safe for everyone — whether in commercial, general, or military aviation. With so many Kansas families connected to the aviation industry — through jobs, training, and innovation — we know firsthand how vital air safety is to our economy and our communities. I look forward to reviewing the findings and recommendations that come from this hearing and will continue working with both parties in Congress to support aviation safety and oversight.”

Background:

The public hearing examined airspace classification, pilot training, collision avoidance technology, and safety management systems in the wake of the Jan. 29, 2025, collision between a PSA Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that claimed 67 lives.

Since the January 29, 2025 collision that claimed 67 lives, Davids has taken several steps to improve aviation safety:

• Met with the victims’ families in Wichita and pledged to be a voice for transparency and reform in the investigation.
• Pressed FAA and NTSB experts in a U.S. Transportation & Infrastructure Committee hearing on air traffic controller shortages and safety protocols.
• Toured the Olathe Air Traffic Control Center to highlight critical staffing needs and renew her call for increased investments in aviation safety infrastructure.
• Responded to initial NTSB recommendations with a commitment to act on any legislative fixes needed to keep passengers and crew safe.

Davids serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and has long championed bipartisan efforts to strengthen transportation safety standards, including by helping pass into law a bipartisan FAA reauthorization.