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Washington Jet-Chopper Crash: Conflicting Altitude Data Baffles Investigators

Conflicting altitude data has confused investigators after a deadly crash near Reagan National Airport. Recovery operations are ongoing, with 42 bodies recovered. Investigation continues into the crash involving a jet and Army helicopter, with safety concerns raised.

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Washington Jet-Chopper Crash: Conflicting Altitude Data Baffles Investigators

Preliminary information from the crash that killed all six people on board indicated that the airliner and Army helicopter had conflicting altitude readings. The collision occurred near Reagan National Airport, where an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk helicopter were involved. This is considered to be the deadliest crash in the US in nearly 25 years.

The flight recorder of the jet showed that it was at 325 feet. However, according to the control tower data, the helicopter was at 200 feet, the maximum allowed. Investigators are reconciling these contradictions using data from the black box of the helicopter, which became waterlogged as it plunged into the Potomac River.

Was the Jet Trying to Avoid Collision?

Just seconds before impact, the flight recorder captured a change in pitch of the jet, and the question now is whether this was an evasive maneuver attempt by the pilots. It is just an incredible miracle of survival and the NTSB cannot tell if it is another factor that is, that the pilots have tried to avoid the crash,” it said.

NTSB Demands Aviation Safety Reforms

The National Transportation Safety Board demanded aviation safety reforms after the incident. Member Todd Inman said he was frustrated that hundreds of recommendations were not acted upon, adding that adopting those recommendations would save lives.

Every effort is on at the site for the recovery of wreckage. Over 300 personnel are on site, sorting through the tricky task of extracting remains from the Potomac River. 42 people’s bodies have been recovered so far, and officials have been trying to account for all remains.

FAA Limits Helicopter Traffic After Trump’s Comments

Following the statement by President Donald Trump that the helicopter was above 200 feet, the FAA prohibited helicopter traffic around Reagan National Airport; however, there is no proof of such evidence by the president, and the investigation is ongoing.
Impact of Washington Airspace and Historical Context

This is the worst crash in the US since 2001 and underlines just how difficult it is to navigate the crowded airspace around Reagan National Airport. It spurred questioning both of military pilot action and air traffic control procedures.