Fact check: Was there one or two air traffic controllers in duty when the helicopter hit the plane over Washington DC?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available information, there was one air traffic controller on duty at the time of the collision, handling both helicopter traffic and arriving/departing planes ^[1]. This was confirmed to be an unusual situation, as these duties are typically divided between different controllers from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m ^[2]. The FAA has officially noted that this staffing configuration was "not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic" ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original question:

• The position had been deliberately combined before the crash, with one controller being allowed to leave early ^[2]
• There is documented evidence of the controller's active involvement, as they were communicating with the helicopter about the plane's position ^[3]
• The NTSB, through spokesperson Todd Inman, has launched a comprehensive investigation into:
• Staffing levels on the day of the incident ^[4]
• Controller behaviors over several weeks, particularly the 72 hours before the crash ^[5]
• Whether job functions were being inappropriately combined ^[5]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question's framing suggests uncertainty about a basic fact that could imply either negligence or cover-up. However:

• Official sources have been deliberately cautious in their statements, with NTSB's Todd Inman initially refusing to confirm staffing levels ^[6]
• The Associated Press has been more direct in their reporting ^[1]
• The focus on controller numbers alone might distract from the broader systemic issues, such as:
• Why duties were combined that night
• Whether this was a one-time occurrence or a pattern
• The appropriateness of staffing decisions given traffic volume

This incident has likely sparked interest from:

• Air traffic controllers' unions (advocating for better staffing)
• Aviation safety organizations (investigating systemic issues)
• Government oversight committees (examining FAA procedures)
• Media organizations (investigating potential negligence)