Start Here What Went Wrong in the DC Air Crash
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Jul 31, 2025 Sam Sweeney, ABC's lead transportation producer, and Trevor Ault, an L.A. correspondent, uncover the shocking NTSB findings from a midair collision between a Blackhawk helicopter and a passenger jet over the Potomac. They discuss critical aviation safety concerns—including communication breakdowns and altitude misreadings—that contributed to the tragedy. The conversation also touches on the aftermath of a tsunami warning, the effectiveness of evacuation protocols, and a proposed bill to ban stock trading among Congress members, highlighting public sentiment and political divides.
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Faulty Altimeters Caused Collision Risk
- The Black Hawk helicopter's altimeter was off by about 100 to 200 feet, causing inaccurate altitude readings.
- In crowded airspace like Reagan National Airport, such altitude discrepancies can cause deadly collisions.
Communication Failures in Crash
- The helicopter crew likely did not receive the air traffic controller's instruction due to radio interference.
- This communication failure prevented the crew from knowing to avoid crossing beneath the American Airlines jet flight path.
Replace Faulty Helicopters Urgently
- The NTSB will recommend replacing older Black Hawk helicopters with models that have accurate altimeters.
- Updating equipment in sensitive airspace is crucial for pilot safety and collision prevention.