CTEH’s Shannon Scaff Discusses Potomac River Midair Collision and Airspace Safety Concerns

CTEH is proud of our team members who bring their expertise to the forefront of critical national conversations. Recently, Shannon Scaff, CTEH’s Senior Risk Management Consultant, was interviewed by major news outlets including CBS News, Fox News TV, and FOX Weather, sharing his professional assessment of the tragic midair collision over the Potomac River—a stark reminder of growing concerns around airspace safety.

The incident has intensified discussions among aviation and emergency response experts about the alarming rise in near-collisions both in the air and on runways across the country.

Drawing from his extensive experience in emergency and risk management, Scaff detailed the complex, multifaceted nature of transitioning from rescue operations to recovery efforts in catastrophic events. He underscored the gravity of these missions, where responders face not only the emotional weight of potential fatalities but also formidable environmental and operational challenges.

Key factors Scaff addressed include:

• Visibility and Weather Conditions: Poor visibility, temperature extremes, and environmental hazards can severely hamper rescue and recovery efforts.
• Equipment Limitations: Specialized gear may have operational limits in terms of depth, temperature tolerance, or accessibility in difficult terrain or underwater environments.
• Risk to Responders: Rescue and recovery teams operate in hazardous settings where safety must be balanced with mission urgency.

His participation in these national discussions underscores CTEH’s commitment to not only supporting emergency responses on the ground but also contributing valuable expertise to broader conversations about safety, preparedness, and risk management.

Watch Shannon’s full interview with CBS News here.

Image source: CBS News