Investigators examining the black box data from the recently crashed aircraft have discovered a major discrepancy that could offer critical insight into the cause of the tragic collision.
Preliminary findings from the investigation into the fatal crash involving an American Airlines CRJ-700 jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., which resulted in the loss of 67 lives, point to a significant altitude discrepancy at the time of the incident, according toDailyMail.
The jet’s flight recorder revealed it was flying at approximately 325 feet, while data from the control tower indicated the helicopter was at 200 feet. This 125-foot discrepancy is now being closely examined by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as part of their investigation into the fatal incident.
Investigators are exploring several potential causes for the conflicting altitude readings, including whether there were errors in the reported altitudes, if the helicopter exceeded its maximum allowed altitude of 200 feet for its flight path, and how the crew’s use of night-vision goggles may have affected the situation.
Recorded alerts from air traffic control to both the helicopter and the airplane, along with the aircraft’s last-second evasive maneuvers, are being analyzed to further understand the dynamics of the incident.
“That’s what our job is, to figure that out,” NTSB member Todd Inman said, according to DailyMail.com, as he exhibited some frustration with reporters who pressed him about the recorded altitude discrepancy. He added that there was some difference of opinion among NTSB investigators as to whether the discrepancy should have been revealed before they had more information, the outlet reported.
Investigators are working to reconcile the differing altitude readings with data from the helicopter’s black box, which has been delayed because the recorder was waterlogged after falling into the Potomac River.
“We currently don’t have the readout from the Black Hawk, so we cannot provide information about the altitude at which the helicopter was flying,” Inman noted, adding that “obviously an impact occurred, and I would say when an impact occurs, that is typically where the altitude of both aircraft were at the moment.”
“Some wanted to give us hugs. Some are just mad and angry,” Inman said in reference to family members of the victims. “They are just all hurt. And they still want answers, and we want to give them answers.”
“Our job is to find the facts,” Inman continued. “More importantly, our job is to make sure this tragedy doesn’t happen again – regardless of what anyone may be saying.”
“This is a complex investigation,” said Brice Banning, NTSB investigator in charge. “There are a lot of pieces here. Our team is working hard to gather this data.”
Banning also discussed the final moments captured by the jet’s two black boxes, which recorded cockpit sounds and flight data.
“The crew had a verbal reaction,” Banning told reporters, noting that the flight data recorder showed that “the airplane beginning to increase its pitch.”
“Sounds of impact were audible about one second later, followed by the end of the recording,” he added.
First responders confirmed on Sunday that 55 of the 67 victims in America’s deadliest crash since 2001 have been identified. Officials are also planning a “lifting operation” on Monday to remove the wreckage from the river.
While full investigations usually take a year or more, officials say the NTSB aims to release a preliminary report within the next 30 days.
An unnamed firefighter at the scene told reporter Brian Entin that he and his colleagues are “emotionally wiped out” after witnessing the horror firsthand. The firefighter shared that the water was “actually very clear,” and with the aid of their flashlights, they “saw horrible things when they arrived.”