- globetrotter
- 06 Feb 2025
- #General
New Radar Evidence Suggests Black Hawk Was Flying Too High Before Fatal DC Collision
In a shocking revelation, newly released radar data suggests that the U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter involved in last week's deadly midair collision over Washington, D.C., was flying at 300 feet—exceeding the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limit of 200 feet for that airspace.
The collision, which occurred on January 29, 2025, involved the Black Hawk and American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 jet, tragically killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft. This marks the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster since TWA Flight 800 in 2001.
Conflicting Data Raises Questions
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed that the airport radar at Reagan National detected the Black Hawk at 300 feet, while the CRJ700's flight data recorder placed it at 325 feet at the time of impact. However, some conflicting reports indicate that air traffic controllers initially believed the helicopter was at 200 feet, adding a layer of uncertainty to the investigation.
The NTSB is still analyzing the black box data from both aircraft, working to synchronize cockpit voice recordings and radar readings. Meanwhile, the FAA has indefinitely suspended certain helicopter routes near the airport as a precaution.
Investigation & Response
Authorities are now examining potential systemic failures, including whether miscommunication, pilot error, or regulatory oversight played a role in the crash. The wreckage of the Black Hawk, still submerged in the Potomac River, is expected to be recovered next week for further analysis.
Despite calls for patience and thorough investigation, former President Donald Trump weighed in on the incident, stating on Truth Social that the helicopter was "flying too high, by a lot," reinforcing the urgency of the probe.
What’s Next?
As the NTSB and FAA continue their investigation, families of the victims and the aviation industry await answers on how two aircraft in one of the most heavily regulated airspaces in the U.S. could collide under clear skies.
