Army helicopter pilots were flying much higher than permitted when their helicopter collided with a passenger jet over the nation's capital in January, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft, federal investigators revealed during safety hearings this week.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) disclosed Wednesday that the Black Hawk helicopter was operating 80 to 100 feet above what its barometric altimeter indicated during the fatal crash with an American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, near Ronald Reagan National Airport.
According to testimony presented at the three-day NTSB hearings, the military aircraft exceeded the 200-foot altitude restriction established for helicopter routes along the Potomac River.
NTSB investigators conducted tests on three additional helicopters from the same military unit following the crash. Those examinations found similar altimeter discrepancies across the fleet.
Dan Cooper, representing Sikorsky helicopters, explained during the proceedings that the Black Hawk model involved in the collision was designed in the 1970s using altimeter technology standard for that era.
According to Cooper, modern helicopters incorporate air data computers that provide more precise altitude measurements—technology unavailable when the older helicopters were manufactured.
Chief Warrant Officer Kylene Lewis testified that pilots operating below 500 feet typically cross-reference both barometric and radar altimeters. According to Lewis, discrepancies of 80 to 100 feet between altimeter readings would not alarm experienced helicopter pilots at lower altitudes.
Army officials maintained that altitude variations of 70 to 100 feet remain within acceptable operational parameters, as pilots are trained to maintain altitude within plus or minus 100 feet of assigned levels.
The Army's Scott Rosengren said during the hearing that one issue is the Federal Aviation Administration-approved flight routes that allow for minimal separation between aircraft near Reagan Airport.
According to Rosengren, "The fact that we have less than 500 foot separation is a concern for me."
Rosengren testified that if he possessed decision-making authority, he would immediately retire all older Black Hawk variants similar to the crashed helicopter and replace them with updated helicopter models.
Also, Army helicopters routinely flew in the capital region with essential tracking equipment deactivated. The aircraft involved in the collision had its ADS-B Out locating system turned off during the flight.
Previously released air traffic control recordings captured the helicopter pilot informing controllers twice that the crew had visual contact with the approaching airliner and would take evasive action.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced legislation Tuesday requiring all aircraft operators to use comprehensive ADS-B technology for location broadcasting to other aircraft and air traffic controllers. According to Cruz, "There cannot be a double standard in aviation safety. We should not tolerate special exceptions for military training flights, operating in congested air space."
The proposed legislation would eliminate Department of Defense exemptions from ADS-B transmission requirements and mandate FAA evaluation of helicopter routes near airports.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy endorsed the legislative approach while suggesting the previous administration "was asleep at the wheel" amid numerous near-miss incidents in Washington airspace.
NTSB officials said that the current hearings represent fact-gathering proceedings rather than final determinations of crash causation. According to Homendy, the agency will release thousands of pages of investigative evidence online during the hearing process.
The final NTSB report detailing the crash's probable cause will not be published until next year.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said that the hearings would involve "very uncomfortable conversations over the next two and a half days," but added that discussions must prioritize "the best interest of the traveling public ahead of any of our personal interests."