Overview
- A U.S. Army review made public Oct. 8, 2026, found that two broken radio transmissions, instrument inaccuracies and an inoperable ADS‑B Out combined with tight helicopter routing to create the conditions for the Jan. 29, 2025 collision that killed 67 people.
- Investigators said the Black Hawk’s barometric altimeter understated its height by about 100 feet and that the helicopter’s ADS‑B transmitter was not sending location data, reducing pilots’ and controllers’ ability to detect and avoid the airliner.
- The report faulted layered procedural and technical gaps including limited visual fields from night‑vision goggles, gusty winds, narrow route separation of about 75 feet, and missed opportunities by air traffic control to give more precise traffic information.
- In response the Army inspected and reconfigured ADS‑B systems on 3,585 helicopters, tightened training, and said it is coordinating with the FAA while the NTSB reports progress on most of its recommendations.
- Families continue to demand mandatory collision‑avoidance equipment and an independent Army Inspector General audit because the report shows systemic failures but does not assign individual disciplinary accountability and leaves redactions unresolved.