An audio recording obtained from LiveATC.net has captured the harrowing moments leading up to a tragic collision between a helicopter and a commercial flight at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The recording reveals the sequence of events as air traffic controllers attempted to avert disaster.
During the audio, an air traffic controller can be heard asking the helicopter pilot, identified as PAT 2-5, if they have visual contact with the CRJ, a commercial flight operated by PSA Airlines. The controller instructs the helicopter to pass behind the CRJ, but moments later, audible gasps and exclamations can be heard in the background as the collision occurs.
