American Airlines regional jet was reportedly asked to land on a different runway moments before colliding with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.
According to a source that spoke with the New York Times, briefed on the events, Flight 5342 had originally received clearance to land on Runway 1, the airport’s primary runway.
However, air traffic control then instructed the pilot to circle and land on Runway 33, which intersects with Runway 1.
Audio recordings obtained from the control tower appear to confirm the change in runway assignment.
An internal report revealed that the air traffic controller on duty the night of the collision was performing a job that typically requires two individuals.
Officials familiar with procedures at the busy airport said such last-minute adjustments occur regularly to manage congestion and ensure the main runway remains available for other incoming flights.
Nonetheless, concerns have emerged over the use of intersecting runways, a practice the Federal Aviation Administration has been moving to reduce at major airports in cities such as Chicago and Dallas.
On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration began examining how airport congestion and intersecting runway operations might have contributed to the fatal incident.
The agency is expected to review all communications between the flight crew and air traffic controllers to determine whether standard safety protocols were followed.
While some industry experts suggest the runway change was a routine measure, others worry that intersecting runways may pose added risks if pilots are forced to circle or reposition at the last minute.
Investigators will also examine the timeline of air traffic decisions and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
Further updates are expected as federal investigators continue to gather information and evaluate the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s tragic collision.