A prominent official has raised alarms about Hollywood Burbank Airport, warning it could become the next tragic site of midair disaster. The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Jennifer Homendy, issued this stark warning during a meeting in Washington, D.C., coinciding with the anniversary of a catastrophic collision that claimed 67 lives near Reagan National Airport. With the airport’s mix of commercial and helicopter traffic, fears are mounting that a serious incident could be imminent if safety measures are not urgently addressed.
A Hotspot for Danger
Homendy’s comments reflect a growing unease within the aviation community. She pointed out that commercial airlines have contacted her, expressing their fears that Burbank is on track to witness the next midair collision. “Burbank is one where commercial airlines have called me to say the next midair is going to be at Burbank,” she stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The NTSB chair lamented the lack of action from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), saying, “No one at the FAA is paying attention to us.”
The airport, a crucial hub for domestic travel, finds itself in a precarious position. With a high volume of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter operations in a confined airspace, the potential for conflict is significantly heightened. “Whether it is involving helicopters or not, people are raising red flags, and why aren’t people listening?” Homendy implored, emphasising that ensuring safety is the FAA’s primary responsibility.
FAA’s Response
In response to these concerns, the FAA has pushed back against Homendy’s assertions. A spokesperson from the agency asserted that they have enhanced safety protocols at Burbank and have not overlooked the airport’s unique challenges. Following the tragic crash in Washington last year, the FAA claims to have acted swiftly to bolster safety measures. “We began using innovative AI tools to identify similar hotspots with high volumes of mixed helicopter and airplane traffic and implement appropriate mitigations,” the spokesperson explained.
Efforts have included lowering the traffic pattern at nearby Van Nuys Airport by 200 feet in an attempt to reduce conflicts with Burbank-bound arrivals. Preliminary data suggest that this adjustment has led to a decrease in Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts, indicating some progress in reducing risk.
Meanwhile, representatives from Hollywood Burbank Airport echoed the FAA’s commitment to safety, stating that the well-being of all stakeholders remains their utmost priority. The airport has been proactive in addressing risks since the tragic collision in Washington, highlighting ongoing safety initiatives.
A History of Near Misses
The atmosphere at Hollywood Burbank is fraught with tension, as the airport has witnessed several alarming close calls in recent years. A particularly concerning incident in 2023 saw a Mesa Airlines flight come perilously close—just 1,680 feet—from colliding with a SkyWest Airlines plane during its takeoff. Such incidents amplify the already palpable fears regarding air traffic safety in the region.
Homendy, who has helmed the NTSB since 2021, pointed out that the Washington crash was “100 percent preventable,” attributing the disaster to the FAA’s decision to place a helicopter route close to an active runway. While the FAA has pledged to reflect on the NTSB’s recommendations, they maintain that safety remains their foremost priority.
Why it Matters
The escalating safety concerns surrounding Hollywood Burbank Airport highlight a critical need for vigilance in the aviation sector, particularly as air traffic continues to recover from pandemic-related disruptions. With the potential for catastrophic consequences looming, the calls for action from aviation officials cannot be ignored. If left unchecked, these threats could lead to another tragedy akin to the devastating accident that struck Washington last year, putting countless lives at risk. The time for decisive action is now; the stakes could not be higher.
