The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the January 29th midair collision with a PSA Airlines CRJ700 was operating above the designated altitude. The helicopter, which crashed into the airliner resulting in 67 fatalities, was recorded at 300 feet by air traffic control, exceeding the 200-foot ceiling imposed on helicopters within the National Capital Region.
While the current data is rounded to the nearest 100 feet, further investigation is necessary to pinpoint the Black Hawk's exact altitude. Recovery of the aircraft from the Potomac River, anticipated later this week, is crucial for retrieving more precise data. This will involve analyzing the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which are currently undergoing synchronization.
Preliminary findings also suggest a change in the CRJ700’s pitch, implying the plane ascended just before impact. NTSB investigators are currently transcribing the cockpit voice recordings from both aircraft to gain a clearer understanding of the events leading to the collision.
Recovery efforts for the passenger plane continue, with recent retrievals including the right wing, parts of the left wing and fuselage, substantial sections of the forward cabin and cockpit, tail components (vertical and horizontal stabilizers, tail cone, rudder, elevators), the TCAS computer, and the quick access recorder. The recovered wreckage will be transported to a secure facility for detailed examination.
The NTSB is also reviewing maintenance records for both the CRJ700 and the Black Hawk helicopter as part of their comprehensive investigation. As of Tuesday, all 67 victims have been recovered and identified.
