A midair collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night has resulted in the deaths of 67 people. Conflicting preliminary data about the altitudes of the aircraft at the time of the crash is raising questions for investigators.
Conflicting preliminary data has raised questions about the altitudes of both aircraft involved in the fatal midair collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night. Investigators are working to reconcile discrepancies between flight recorder data from the American Airlines jet and tower data regarding the altitude of the Army Black Hawk helicopter at the time of the crash.
Data from the jet's flight recorder indicated it was at 325 feet, plus or minus 25 feet, when the collision occurred. However, tower data showed the helicopter at 200 feet during the incident. The NTSB is hoping to resolve these altitude differences using data from the helicopter's black box, which is taking longer to retrieve due to water damage. They also plan to refine the tower data, acknowledging its potential for inaccuracy. NTSB member Todd Inman, leading the investigation, admitted to internal debate about releasing this preliminary information, emphasizing the complexities of the investigation and the need for more data before drawing conclusions. The collision tragically resulted in the loss of 67 lives, including all 64 passengers and crew members aboard the American Airlines flight and the three soldiers on board the helicopter. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with divers and crews searching the Potomac River for remains. As of Saturday afternoon, 42 bodies had been recovered, with 38 positively identified. Officials anticipate recovering all remains, though retrieving the plane's fuselage from the water might be necessary to locate all victims. The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on the actions of the military pilot and air traffic control, as well as other potential factors such as the helicopter's altitude and the use of night vision goggles by the crew. Full NTSB investigations typically take at least a year, though a preliminary report is expected within 30 days
Midair Collision NTSB Investigation Altitude Discrepancies Army Helicopter American Airlines Flight Washington DC
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Conflicting Altitude Data Raises Questions in D.C. Mid-Air Crash InvestigationA midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., has resulted in the deaths of all 67 people on board. Conflicting data regarding the altitudes of the aircraft at the time of the crash is raising questions for investigators.
Read more »
Conflicting preliminary data raise questions about aircrafts' altitude at time of plane-helicopter crashPreliminary data from crash between an airliner and an Army helicopter show conflicting indications on the aircrafts’ altitudes as they collided, officials say.
Read more »
Preliminary data raises questions about D.C. aircrafts' altitudeThe remains of 42 people had been pulled from the river by Saturday afternoon, official said.
Read more »
Deadly Potomac River Helicopter-Jet Collision Raises Questions About AltitudeThe collision of a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jetliner over the Potomac River on Wednesday night, killing all 67 people on board, has sparked investigations into the helicopter's altitude and potential contributing factors.
Read more »
Conflicting Data Casts Shadow on Midair Crash InvestigationInitial findings from the investigation into the fatal collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Washington D.C. raise questions about the aircraft's altitudes at the time of the crash. The NTSB continues to gather data and analyze the events leading up to the tragedy.
Read more »
Conflicting Data Raise Questions About Altitudes in Fatal DC Midair CrashPreliminary data from the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft. Investigators are working to reconcile the data and determine the cause of the crash.
Read more »