Preliminary flight data from the tragic plane crash near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., has unveiled conflicting readings regarding the altitudes of the passenger jet and Army helicopter involved in the collision that claimed the lives of all individuals on board the two aircraft.
According to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials, data retrieved from the American Airlines flight recorder indicated an altitude of 325 feet, with a margin of error of plus or minus 25 feet, at the time of the incident. In contrast, data from the control tower suggested that the Black Hawk helicopter was flying at 200 feet, the maximum allowable altitude for helicopters in the area.
The approximately 100-foot disparity in altitude readings between the two sources remains unexplained, prompting investigators to intensify efforts to recover data from the helicopter's back box, which was submerged in the Potomac River and has become waterlogged. Additionally, plans are underway to refine the tower data, which may be less reliable.
Brice Banning, the NTSB investigator leading the inquiry, described the final moments captured by the jet's black boxes, revealing a verbal reaction from the crew, an increase in the aircraft's pitch, sounds of impact, and the abrupt end of the recording.
While the investigation delves into whether the pilots attempted evasive maneuvers, the collision occurred as the regional jet, en route from Wichita, Kansas, was preparing to land at the airport, carrying 64 passengers. The helicopter, with three soldiers on board, tragically crossed paths with the jet, resulting in no survivors from either aircraft.
Expressing frustration over unimplemented safety recommendations, NTSB member Todd Inman emphasized the importance of adopting NTSB recommendations to enhance aviation safety and prevent future tragedies.
Following the crash, families of the victims visited the site, and divers continued to search the submerged wreckage for additional remains, with 55 of the 67 victims already recovered and identified. Officials remain optimistic about the recovery of all victims from the Potomac River.
NTSB investigators aim to release a preliminary report within 30 days, with a comprehensive investigation expected to span at least a year.
