New radar data released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) suggests that an Army helicopter involved in last week’s fatal midair collision in Washington, DC, may have been flying above its authorized altitude. However, investigators stress that more evidence is needed before drawing definitive conclusions.
The collision, which occurred between a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines Flight 5342, resulted in the deaths of all 67 people on board both aircraft. The crash took place over the Potomac River as the Bombardier CRJ700 jet was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
According to the latest available flight track data, the Black Hawk was at approximately 300 feet when it collided with the jet. This is 100 feet higher than the 200-foot limit assigned to military helicopters in that air corridor, as outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has since suspended the use of most designated helicopter routes in the region.
The NTSB emphasized that the altitude figure was rounded to the nearest 100 feet and that additional verification is needed. The agency is still working to determine the precise altitude of the Black Hawk, a task complicated by the fact that the helicopter wreckage remains submerged. Salvage operations are expected to begin next week.
There have been discrepancies in the altitude readings recorded by different sources. Over the weekend, NTSB board member J. Todd Inman stated that air traffic control radar at Reagan National had recorded the Black Hawk at 200 feet, while the jet’s flight data recorder indicated an altitude of 325 feet at the time of the crash. Investigators are working to reconcile these differences.
Potomac TRACON, the regional air traffic control center that manages flights for Reagan National, Dulles International, and Joint Base Andrews, provided the altitude data in question. The facility relies on multiple radar sensors and telemetry signals from aircraft to determine their positions.
NTSB Investigation Progress and Data Synchronization
Both aircraft’s flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders, commonly known as “black boxes,” have been recovered. The NTSB is analyzing these recordings to establish a timeline of events. Board Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that investigators are working to synchronize the recordings to provide a clearer picture of what happened. She assured the public that the agency is committed to transparency and will release relevant information as soon as possible.
The agency has canceled planned media briefings on the investigation for two consecutive days, raising speculation about unresolved conflicts in the data.
Political and Public Reaction
The investigation has drawn attention from high-ranking officials, including former President Donald Trump. Last Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social, stating, “The Blackhawk helicopter was flying too high, by a lot. It was far above the 200-foot limit. That’s not really too complicated to understand, is it?”
While the comment aligns with the latest radar data, NTSB officials have cautioned against premature conclusions. They stress that all aspects of the crash, including air traffic control communications, weather conditions, and mechanical factors, must be thoroughly examined before attributing fault.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Meanwhile, salvage crews continue to recover debris from both aircraft. Wreckage from the CRJ700 jet has been retrieved and transported to a secure facility for examination. The aircraft’s fuselage, including a section displaying the “American Eagle” branding, was lifted from the water on Wednesday. The wreckage is being transferred piece by piece from a barge to a storage site near Reagan National Airport’s main runway.
Recovery teams have identified all 67 victims, bringing a sense of closure to grieving families. However, efforts to retrieve the remains of the Black Hawk will not begin until the jet’s wreckage has been fully removed, which is expected to be completed by Thursday.
What Happens Next?
The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report on the accident within 30 days. The final report, which will include a comprehensive analysis of all factors leading to the crash, could take more than a year. However, Chair Homendy has expressed hope that the process will be expedited.
The fatal collision has reignited discussions about airspace safety over Washington, DC, one of the most tightly controlled aviation corridors in the country. Authorities are likely to conduct a broader review of helicopter flight regulations and air traffic monitoring procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As investigators continue their work, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of air traffic management and the devastating consequences of even minor deviations from flight protocols.
