The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the midair collision between a plane and a helicopter in Washington, D.C., as officials work to determine the cause of the tragic accident. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy provided an update on the investigation during an interview with Fox News’ America’s Newsroom, emphasizing that no potential factor is being ruled out at this stage.
Homendy stated that the NTSB’s investigation remains “very broad” and is focused on gathering all available information to evaluate the accident. “We are not ruling out any information or any issue,” she said. “We’re taking in everything we can and not really focused in any particular area in order to collect everything we need to evaluate this particular accident.”
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One key area of focus is the discrepancy in altitude data between the aircraft involved. Initial radar data from Washington, D.C., indicated that the helicopter was at 200 feet, but Homendy noted that the radar system updates only every five seconds, leaving gaps in the information. The NTSB has since collected additional data to provide a more precise understanding of the helicopter’s altitude, which will be released later today.
Homendy confirmed that the NTSB has successfully retrieved data from the black boxes of both the plane and the helicopter. This critical information will be analyzed and shared during a press briefing scheduled for later today.
The collision has raised questions about military flight operations in the busy airspace around Washington, D.C. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted concerns about the timing and altitude of the helicopter, which was reportedly a Black Hawk. “Were the Black Hawk pilots wearing night-vision goggles? And, if so, why would they fly on a mission at 9:00 at night through really busy airspace around DCA, as opposed to flying that mission at 1:00 in the morning, when there’s very little traffic around DCA?” Duffy asked during an interview with Fox News.
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Homendy acknowledged that the NTSB’s investigation could lead to recommendations regarding military flight operations in the area. She praised Secretary Duffy for taking immediate action to restrict airspace around DCA while the investigation is ongoing.
The collision in Washington, D.C., comes on the heels of another aviation tragedy in Northeast Philadelphia, where a medical flight crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in catastrophic failure. The back-to-back incidents have left some members of the public questioning the safety of air travel.
Homendy sought to reassure the public, emphasizing that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation. “I understand that, especially as you’re seeing these pictures or videos on the news or social media, it can be concerning,” she said. “But what I can say is, the NTSB investigates every civil aviation accident in the United States. Air travel is incredibly safe.”
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She contrasted the risks of flying with the dangers of driving, noting that over 40,000 people die annually in car accidents in the U.S., compared to the relatively low number of aviation fatalities.
As the NTSB continues its investigation, the agency will provide updates on its findings and any urgent safety recommendations. The collision in Washington, D.C., serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of managing air traffic in densely populated areas and the importance of rigorous safety protocols.
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