Authorities are investigating whether pilots of an Army Black Hawk helicopter considered adjusting the aircraft’s course before the crash. The potential maneuver might have steered the helicopter out of the direct path of a passenger jet attempting to land at Reagan Airport on January 29. The National Transportation Safety Board is now examining the incident as experts assess the situation.
During a hearing held on Wednesday, experts specializing in Black Hawk helicopters were questioned about the incident. The focus of the discussion centered on the decisions made by the pilots and the potential impact of any course adjustments on the crash. The NTSB aims to determine if the pilots’ decisions played a role in the accident, which has raised concerns about aviation safety protocols.
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, the possibility that a last-minute maneuver could have prevented a disaster has sparked debate about helicopter operation standards. Aviation experts are calling for a review of pilot training and emergency response procedures to ensure such incidents are minimized in the future.