The NTSB reported that crucial instructions given to the Army Black Hawk helicopter by air traffic control may not have been heard by the crew before a tragic collision with a passenger jet on January 29, resulting in 67 fatalities. The review indicated that the crew was under the influence of microphone activation for communications, which may have blocked the key directive to 'pass behind' the passenger plane. Further investigation targets potential discrepancies in altitude perception during the flight and the management of complex airspace at Reagan National Airport during high traffic.
The crew of an Army Black Hawk helicopter may not have heard crucial instructions from air traffic control before a fatal collision with a passenger jet.
NTSB's review indicated the helicopter crew likely did not receive the directive to 'pass behind' the approaching passenger jet due to cockpit microphone activation.
The NTSB is scrutinizing discrepancies between the helicopter's reported altitude and the pilots' visual perceptions, stressing this is a significant safety concern.
The crash, which resulted in 67 casualties, has raised serious questions about Reagan National Airport’s traffic management and the crossing of helicopter and airplane paths.
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