A tragic collision occurred between a commercial plane and a military helicopter near Washington's Reagan National Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 64 passengers and crew on the plane and the three soldiers aboard the helicopter. Investigators are examining flight data and the helicopter's altitude to determine the cause of the crash.
A tragic collision occurred between a commercial aircraft and a military helicopter near Washington's Reagan National Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 64 passengers and crew on the plane and the three soldiers aboard the helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), currently investigating the cause of the crash, expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days. A comprehensive final report, which will determine the probable cause, will take considerably longer.
Details surrounding the collision and potential avenues for investigation are gradually emerging. The Black Hawk helicopter was operating within specialized corridors frequently used by law enforcement, medical evacuation, military, and government helicopters in the Washington area. FAA charts indicate that helicopters utilizing this corridor, located east of the airport and perpendicular to the approach path of one of the airport's runways, must maintain an altitude of 60 meters or lower. However, flight tracking data from the moments preceding the fatal midair collision suggest that the Black Hawk was flying at an altitude of 30 meters above its permitted limit and deviating from its designated route along the Potomac River's east side.Ian Petchenik, spokesperson for FlightRadar24, a flight tracking company, analyzed the data and stated, 'Based on the data we're able to see, I think that's a fair assessment.' The military helicopter transmitted a Mode S signal, providing basic data about altitude and aircraft identification. In contrast, the American Airlines flight broadcasted an ADS-B signal, offering significantly more detailed information to air traffic control. Petchenik explained that 'ADS-B is worlds beyond the standard Mode S data. Mode S data allows you to have just a few bits of information.' A complete understanding of the events leading up to the collision necessitates a thorough analysis of the data recorders from both aircraft. Preliminary findings indicate that the helicopter was not in the correct position.President Donald Trump and the nation's defense secretary raised concerns about the helicopter's altitude on Friday. Trump asserted on Truth Social, 'The Blackhawk helicopter was flying too high, by a lot. It was far above the 200-foot limit.' It remains unclear whether the president was relying on information from official investigators or repeating what he observed in news reports. CNN aviation analyst and pilot Miles O'Brien noted that at the time of the collision, the approved paths of the jet and helicopter were separated by only about 90 meters, describing it as 'a very tight, no-margin-for-error airspace arrangement.' O'Brien emphasized the need for 'everybody in that spot to be completely on their toes and fly to complete perfection.'The FAA has indefinitely closed the low-altitude helicopter corridor utilized during the crash. The NTSB will comprehensively investigate the 'human, machine and the environment' to determine the cause of the collision, with Chair Jennifer Homendy addressing concerns about diversity initiatives potentially being considered in the investigation. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from the American Airlines aircraft have been recovered, while a data recorder from the helicopter remains unrecovered.Video footage obtained exclusively by CNN provides a chilling depiction of the collision, showing no evasive maneuvers by either aircraft. They collided head-on in a violent explosion of light, their wreckage falling into the dark waters of the Potomac River
Mid-Air Collision Black Hawk Helicopter American Airlines Washington Airport NTSB Investigation Aviation Accident
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