The Black Hawk helicopter involved in Wednesday’s deadly collision may have been flying outside its approved flight path, at a higher altitude than permitted, and at least half a mile off its designated route, as reported by The New York Times. This deviation, if confirmed, raises serious concerns about compliance with flight regulations in the moments leading up to the crash. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, who was briefed by the Federal Aviation Administration, mentioned the possibility of the helicopter being off its correct route.
Senator Duckworth, a US Army veteran and former Black Hawk pilot, emphasized the importance of determining whether the helicopter was on its designated path. She highlighted that the Black Hawk was under visual flight rules and responsible for maintaining separation with landing aircraft. The need to establish which aircraft deviated from its route is crucial in understanding the circumstances that led to the collision.
According to Senator Duckworth, the Black Hawk was supposed to be flying along the eastern riverbank off the Potomac, while a regional jet was on short final for a nearby runway. The convergence of the two aircraft resulted in a loss of lateral separation, leading to the tragic incident. Determining which aircraft drifted into the other's flight path is a key aspect of the ongoing investigation by the FAA and NTSB.
