Recent ground-based radar data has revealed that an Army helicopter involved in a fatal midair collision with American Airlines Flight 5342 was flying above the designated altitude, resulting in the loss of all 67 lives on board both aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) disclosed that the helicopter was flying at approximately 300 feet, exceeding the permitted altitude of 200 feet for its training mission in a dedicated helicopter route near Reagan National Airport.
In response to the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended the use of most helicopter routes. The NTSB is currently collecting data to determine the exact altitude of the helicopter at the time of the collision, pending the recovery of the wreckage from the Potomac River.
The investigation has been complicated by conflicting information from radar displays at Reagan National Airport and the flight data recorder of the jet. The NTSB is working to synchronize data from the recovered black boxes of both aircraft to gain a clearer understanding of the events leading to the collision.
President Donald Trump has weighed in on the incident, stressing the importance of adhering to altitude restrictions in regulated airspace. The NTSB has reiterated its commitment to transparency and a comprehensive investigation, urging against premature conclusions regarding the cause of the tragedy.
Recovery efforts for the jet wreckage are currently underway, with critical components being carefully transported for examination. All victims have been recovered, and a preliminary report on the crash is anticipated within 30 days, with the hope of a prompt resolution to the investigation.
