Overview
- Evidence from animation and surveillance video showed the Army Black Hawk exceeded its 200-foot route ceiling by 80 to 100 feet due to faulty altimeter readings.
- Cockpit audio indicates the helicopter crew’s keyed microphone blocked an ATC instruction to pass behind the incoming jet just 20 seconds before impact.
- Tests on three sister Black Hawks confirmed similar altimeter errors caused by the 1970s-era design lacking modern air data computers.
- Senator Ted Cruz’s ADS-B In and Out mandate advanced in the Senate, aiming to strip military exemptions and enhance traffic visibility for all aircraft.
- Federal reviews of helicopter routes and air traffic controller staffing at Reagan National Airport have been launched by the FAA and U.S. Army.