Overview

• The Black Hawk helicopter pilot, Capt. Rebecca Lobach, failed to turn left as instructed by her co-pilot 15 seconds before colliding with an American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport.
• The helicopter exceeded its 200-foot altitude limit, flying at 278 feet, placing it directly in the jet's landing path at 313 feet.
• Radio communications were compromised, with a key air traffic control instruction to 'pass behind' the jet likely unheard due to microphone interference.
• The Black Hawk’s ADS-B tracking system, which could have provided real-time position data, was turned off for operational security reasons during the training mission.
• The NTSB continues its investigation, with a full report expected in early 2026, while regulators consider permanent airspace safety reforms.