Just one day before a deadly crash over the Potomac River, a Republic Airways flight had a close encounter with a military helicopter, prompting an aborted landing at Washington’s Reagan National Airport. While the maneuver, known as a “go-around,” caused brief concern, officials confirmed that no immediate danger occurred, and the plane landed safely minutes later.
Details of the Go-Around Maneuver
Republic Airways Flight 4514, operating an Embraer E-175, departed from Bradley International Airport on Tuesday evening around 7 p.m. As it approached Reagan National Airport (DCA) for landing on Runway 19, the flight was advised of a nearby helicopter.
According to air traffic control audio obtained from LiveATC.net, the plane’s automated collision avoidance system issued a “resolution advisory,” instructing the pilots to perform a go-around to avoid potential traffic conflicts. This advisory occurs when the system detects nearby aircraft, triggering automatic alerts to pilots to alter their flight path.
Flight tracking data confirmed that the plane flew approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters) above the military helicopter—within the standard range of acceptable separation. However, the advisory caused the aircraft to lose its alignment with the runway, forcing the pilots to abort the initial landing attempt.
Safety Measures in Place
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement on Friday emphasizing that the go-around was executed as part of standard safety procedures. The FAA clarified:
“The crew of Republic Airways Flight 4514 initiated a go-around at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in response to an onboard alert that a military helicopter was nearby. Air traffic controllers issued traffic advisories to both aircraft, and the military helicopter crew reported they had the Republic aircraft in sight. There was no loss of required separation between the aircraft.”
How Go-Arounds Work in Aviation Safety
A go-around, while potentially unsettling for passengers, is a routine maneuver pilots are trained to execute. It occurs when a landing cannot proceed safely, whether due to weather, traffic, or improper alignment with the runway. Airline pilots are trained to respond immediately to collision avoidance system alerts, known as resolution advisories. Although these alerts are precautionary, they are critical to ensuring the continued safety of flights.
“A go-around incident may seem like an emergency maneuver to passengers, but the pilot and the air traffic controller are in full command of the situation,” the FAA assured.
Context: Potomac River Aviation Disaster
The go-around incident occurred just over 24 hours before a deadly aviation accident involving a military helicopter and an American Eagle flight over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. The midair collision claimed the lives of everyone aboard both aircraft, highlighting the importance of avoiding near-miss situations.
While the Tuesday go-around at DCA did not escalate into an emergency, it underscores the constant vigilance required to maintain separation and safety in crowded airspace.
The Republic Airways incident is a reminder of how layered safety protocols work to prevent collisions in busy airspaces. The successful execution of the go-around reflects the effectiveness of modern collision avoidance systems and air traffic control coordination. With the FAA and pilots routinely monitoring such situations, passengers can feel reassured that precautionary maneuvers like these prioritize safety above all.
