NTSB Report: Army Black Hawk Helicopter’s Altitude Linked to Deadly Collision with Passenger Plane in DC

NTSB Report: Army Black Hawk Helicopter’s Altitude Linked to Deadly Collision with Passenger Plane in DC

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed on Tuesday that the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in a tragic accident with a PSA Airlines CRJ700 airliner on January 29 was flying at an unsafe altitude. This incident resulted in the loss of 67 lives.

Altitude Findings from Flight Traffic Data

Data obtained from flight traffic confirms that the Black Hawk was operating at 300 feet according to air traffic control records at the time of the incident. This altitude exceeds the designated ceiling of 200 feet for helicopters in the National Capital Region.

To better understand the factors contributing to this accident, officials acknowledge the need for more precise data points from the Black Hawk aircraft. This information recovery will involve retrieving the helicopter from the Potomac River, a process scheduled for later this week.

Preliminary Observations of the Crash

Initial assessments suggest a critical change in the aircraft’s pitch, which indicates that the plane attempted to ascend just before the collision occurred. Investigators from the NTSB are actively transcribing the cockpit voice recorders from both aircraft and working on synchronizing the flight data recorder with the cockpit voice recorder from the Black Hawk.

Wreckage Recovery Efforts

As recovery operations continue, significant wreckage from the passenger plane remains under investigation. Recent discoveries in the Potomac River include parts of the right wing, the center fuselage, and critical components such as the cockpit and vertical stabilizers.

The recovered debris will be transported to a secure facility for a thorough examination. This is crucial for understanding the aircraft systems involved and assessing maintenance records, especially for the CRJ700 passenger aircraft and the Black Hawk helicopter.

Identifying the Victims

As of Tuesday, authorities confirmed the recovery of all bodies of the 67 victims from the river. The tragic toll of this accident has profoundly impacted families and the community.

The NTSB continues its investigation, scrutinizing various factors that may have contributed to this catastrophic event. The aircraft systems group is currently reviewing maintenance documents for both aircraft, aiming to gather comprehensive information that may aid the ongoing investigation.

Moving Forward: Investigative Efforts and Community Impact

This incident has raised concerns regarding aviation safety protocols and operational standards for military helicopters in proximity to civilian air traffic. As the investigation unfolds, the NTSB’s findings will likely prompt discussions on policy and safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.

The investigation remains a priority for ensuring accountability and enhancing safety measures. The ramifications of this incident extend beyond the immediate loss, affecting the entire aviation community.

In light of these developments, further updates will be provided as investigations progress, emphasizing transparency and public safety in air travel.

Reported by Fox News Digital’s Andrea Margolis and Rick Eggleston.