A catastrophic aviation collision in Washington DC left investigators puzzled over mismatched readings from the aircraft involved.
According to Daily Mail, preliminary data from the black boxes of the American Airlines passenger jet and Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided Wednesday night showed a significant 100-foot discrepancy in their recorded altitudes at the time of impact.
The National Transportation Safety Board's analysis indicates the passenger jet's flight recorder documented an altitude of 325 feet, with a margin of error of 25 feet, while control tower data placed the military helicopter at 200 feet when the crash occurred. This variance raises critical questions as helicopters in that airspace are restricted to a maximum altitude of 200 feet.
Recovery teams work through waterlogged black box data
The investigation faces additional challenges as teams attempt to extract information from the helicopter's partially submerged black box.
Water damage has complicated efforts to retrieve crucial flight data that could help explain the altitude discrepancy. Investigators are also working to refine less reliable tower data for a more accurate assessment.
NTSB member Todd Inman addressed the situation during a Saturday evening press conference. His team debated whether to release the preliminary findings before having complete data from both aircraft. Inman acknowledged the complexity of reconciling the different altitude readings.
The investigation team's lead, Brice Banning, provided insight into the jet's final moments captured by the black boxes. The recordings revealed the crew's verbal reaction and the aircraft's attempted evasive maneuver just before impact.
Massive recovery operation continues in Potomac River
More than 300 responders are participating in the ongoing recovery effort, supported by two Navy barges deployed to handle heavy wreckage. Teams are preparing for a major operation Monday to remove the aircraft remains from the Potomac River.
First responders have identified 55 of the 67 victims in what stands as America's deadliest aviation disaster since 2001. The emotional toll on rescue workers has been significant, with one firefighter describing the trauma of witnessing the crash aftermath in the clear river waters.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has raised questions about potential contributing factors, including tower staffing levels and helicopter pilot equipment. The investigation will examine whether air traffic control staffing shortages played a role in the tragedy.
Key findings await further investigation results
The collision between the American Airlines flight from Wichita carrying 64 passengers and crew and the three-person Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred as the commercial aircraft approached Ronald Reagan National Airport. The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days, though complete investigations typically require a year or more.
NTSB member Inman shared his experiences meeting with victims' families and hearing their varied emotional responses to the tragedy. The investigation team remains committed to providing answers about the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety protocols in the crowded airspace around Reagan National Airport, where even experienced pilots face significant challenges navigating complex flight patterns and restrictions.
