The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a thorough investigation into the tragic January crash of an American Airlines plane and a Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., which resulted in the deaths of 67 people. The official report by the NTSB indicates that incorrect altitude readings on the Army helicopter contributed significantly to the accident as the aircraft got too close to the commercial plane. The findings have ignited discussions about aviation safety and the role of federal authorities in ensuring it.
The hearings held by the NTSB in Washington on Wednesday were the first day of a three-day investigative process, aiming to delve deeper into the cause of the fatal incident. During these proceedings, it became evident that air traffic controllers had been warning about the dangers of helicopter traffic around Ronald Reagan National Airport for years prior to the crash. Despite these warnings, concerns about the helicopter’s route were not adequately addressed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), even though there had been 85 near-misses at the airport over the previous three years.
The NTSB Chairwoman, Jennifer Homendy, expressed her concern during the hearings, noting the critical need for improved aviation safety measures and the challenges faced by the federal government in ensuring them. The hearing also brought to light the Army’s acknowledgment regarding the potential inaccuracies in the Black Hawk helicopter’s altimeters, which could be off by more than 100 feet. While the pilots aim to maintain altitude within 100 feet of the limit, the accuracy of the readings remains a significant concern.
Lawyer Bob Clifford, representing several victims’ families, has pointed out that the hearing had a lot of ‘finger-pointing’ and a lack of responsibility and accountability. The NTSB’s findings have sparked debate about the current state of aviation safety protocols and the need for comprehensive changes to prevent such incidents in the future. Despite the final report not being released until next year, the hearing provided crucial insights into the margin of error for helicopters operating in the route that the Black Hawk took during the crash.
Further investigations have also raised concerns about the use of night vision goggles on the helicopter, which limit the field of view. The FAA’s failure to recognize a history of near-misses around the airport has been another point of contention. Additionally, the Army’s helicopters routinely flew around Washington without ADS-B Out equipment, which is a critical tool for aircraft location data. The NTSB’s report highlights the importance of proper equipment and adherence to safety protocols to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the NTSB continues its investigation and the discussions surrounding aviation safety gain momentum, the role of the federal government in addressing these issues becomes increasingly critical. The introduction of the bill by Sen. Ted Cruz to require all aircraft operators to use both forms of ADS-B technology represents a step towards ensuring that such incidents are less likely to occur in the future. The findings from the NTSB hearings have underscored the necessity for immediate and comprehensive changes in aviation safety protocols to protect the lives of all individuals involved in air travel.