Investigation Continues Into Fatal Collision Between Black Hawk Helicopter and American Airlines Plane
The NTSB is probing the collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines plane, revealing possible altitude miscommunications and the tragic loss of all aboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the devastating crash involving a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines plane in Washington, D.C. According to NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy, there is no indication that the helicopter crew was aware of the impending collision.
Preliminary information suggests that the helicopter's altimeter may have provided inaccurate data concerning altitude, as the two pilots reported differing altitudes just moments before the crash. One pilot believed the helicopter was at 300 feet, while the other thought it was at 200 feet.
The NTSB has not confirmed the helicopter's altitude at the time of impact, with Homendy stating, “We are looking at the possibility of there may be bad data.”
The transmission from the control tower, which instructed the helicopter to proceed behind the plane, might not have been heard due to a possible communication overlap when the helicopter pilot activated her radio transmission at the same time.
At the time of the incident, the Black Hawk crew was likely utilizing night vision goggles, as they were engaged in an annual training flight and a night vision goggle check required for pilot qualification.
This tragedy occurred on the evening of January 29, during which an American Airlines regional jet was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for landing when it collided with the Black Hawk, resulting in both aircraft descending into the Potomac River. Tragically, there were no survivors from either aircraft, with sixty-four people aboard the airline flight from Wichita, Kansas, and three soldiers on the helicopter.
During the news conference, Homendy praised Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for promptly restricting helicopter operations around Reagan airport following the crash. While it remains “too early to say” if this restriction will be permanent, she reiterated the importance of safety in U.S. air travel.
