The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in a midair collision with an American Airlines jet on January 29 may have operated on bad altitude data and could have missed crucial communications from air traffic control. In the tragic incident, both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, resulting in the deaths of all 67 individuals on board.

During a recent press briefing, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy confirmed that the Black Hawk crew likely did not hear a vital instruction from air traffic controllers to "pass behind" the passenger plane. This vital message was transmitted only 17 seconds before the collision, and it appears the communication was disrupted as the helicopter crew was simultaneously using their microphone to respond, a typical occurrence referred to as "stepping on" transmissions. This has been a known issue in aviation radio communications, as noted by experts such as William Waldock from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Homendy highlighted that the helicopter's pilots had conflicting altitude readings prior to the accident, with one pilot stating they were at 300 feet while the instructor believed they were at 400 feet. At the time of impact, however, data indicated the Black Hawk was actually at 278 feet, exceeding its safe operational limit of 200 feet in that area. “We are seeing conflicting information in the data,” noted Homendy, emphasizing the complexity of the ongoing investigation.

The Black Hawk was flying on a check flight for night vision goggles certification at the time of the crash, a critical test required for military pilots. This may have impaired visibility and contributed to the crew’s challenges in situational awareness.

In addition to the technical issues, the incident has reignited concerns regarding the federal aviation safety protocols and staffing within air traffic control. President Trump initially criticized both the helicopter's altitude and the overall air traffic system in the aftermath, although some of his claims lacked substantiation.

The investigation has concluded its on-scene phase; however, the final report is not expected for over a year. The NTSB is set to scrutinize all recovery data thoroughly, particularly focusing on the discrepancies in altitude and communication failures leading up to the crash. For more details, click on NPR, ABC News, or CBS News.