Investigators have discovered a significant altitude discrepancy in the black box data from the recent crash involving an American Airlines CRJ-700 jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., which killed 67 people. The jet’s recorder showed an altitude of 325 feet, while the helicopter was at 200 feet, a 125-foot difference now being examined by the NTSB. Investigators are exploring possible causes, including altitude errors, helicopter exceeding its maximum altitude, and the effect of night-vision goggles on the crew.
The NTSB is awaiting data from the helicopter’s black box, delayed due to water damage. In the final moments, the jet’s data recorder showed the crew’s verbal reaction and evasive maneuvers before impact. While 55 of the victims have been identified, the NTSB plans to release a preliminary report within 30 days. A firefighter at the scene described the emotional toll on first responders as they encountered disturbing sights in the river.
