The midair collision between a passenger jet and a helicopter over Washington on Wednesday night was the deadliest plane crash in the United States in more than 20 years.

Emily Steel, a Times investigative reporter who has been covering the crash, explains what happened.

Guests: Emily Steel, an investigative reporter for the business desk of The New York Times.

Background reading: 

• The crash has renewed concerns about air safety lapses.
• Staffing was “not normal” in the control tower at Ronald Reagan National Airport, according to an F.A.A. report.

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