NTSB Reveals Black Hawk Crew Likely Wore Night-Vision Goggles Before Fatal DC Crash

NTSB Reveals Black Hawk Crew Likely Wore Night-Vision Goggles Before Fatal DC Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced on Thursday that preliminary information suggests the crew members of a Black Hawk helicopter were utilizing night-vision goggles during a tragic collision with an American Airlines jet last week near Washington, D.C.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy addressed reporters on Capitol Hill following a briefing with the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure regarding the crash that resulted in the loss of all 67 lives on both aircraft.

During the briefing, Homendy was questioned about whether the pilots of the Black Hawk were equipped with night-vision goggles. She stated, “We believe, based on the mission and the information we gathered from the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), that they were indeed wearing night-vision goggles.” This assertion is founded on preliminary data.

Homendy elaborated that if the crew members had not been using night-vision goggles, regulations would have mandated them to disclose that they were flying without visual assistance. “That information was absent from the CVR,” she explained. “This suggests they were utilizing night-vision goggles, but we emphasize this is preliminary information.”

Details Surrounding the Mission

Homendy also provided insight into the mission type the Black Hawk was engaged in that evening, which she referred to as a “check ride.” The Army conducts three types of check rides, one of which focuses on the use of instruments such as night-vision goggles, as well as an annual assessment to ensure pilot proficiency.

She indicated that this particular flight was a combined annual check ride specifically for night-vision goggles.

Turning Off Surveillance Systems

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) shared additional context during the briefing. He pointed out that the Black Hawk helicopter had disabled its automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), which is permissible for military aircraft. “This was a training mission, so there was no compelling national security reason for the ADS-B to be switched off,” Cruz commented.

ADS-B is an advanced surveillance technology that enhances aircraft tracking accuracy compared to traditional radar systems. While the Black Hawk was equipped with a transponder, ADS-B provides significantly greater precision.

Regulatory Responses Following the Incident

Inquiries have emerged in the wake of the crash. Last week, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) raised concerns regarding the FAA’s decision to allow military flights to operate with ADS-B deactivated since 2018. This sparked a quick review process.

During Thursday’s discussions, the FAA announced it is currently assessing airports that experience high levels of mixed helicopter and airplane traffic, following Cruz’s call for a comprehensive safety review.

As part of its regulatory response, the FAA has instituted stringent limitations on helicopter operations in the vicinity of Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, effective until at least late February. These restrictions include the closure of two lesser-used runways.

Moreover, when police, medical, or presidential transport helicopters are active in the airspace, civilian aircraft are prohibited from operating in that same area, as noted in an FAA advisory.

A Call for Increased Safety Measures

The events surrounding this fatal crash underscore the necessity for reassessing safety protocols, particularly regarding military flight operations in civilian airspace. The ongoing investigations by the NTSB and FAA will be crucial for establishing more effective guidelines to enhance aviation safety and prevent future tragedies.

As the investigations continue, updates will be provided to address the pressing questions surrounding the circumstances of the crash and to reassure the public regarding flight safety measures.

Reuters contributed to this report.