New clues emerge in deadly DC plane crash investigation

Salvage teams are set to pull the wreckage of the Army Black Hawk helicopter that hit an American Airlines jet from the Potomac River. The remains of 41 of the 67 victims have been recovered.
---
Subscribe to ABC News on KZbin: abcnews.visitl...
ABC News Digital is your daily source of breaking national and world news, exclusive interviews and 24/7 live streaming coverage.
Download the ABC News app for the latest headlines and alerts: abcnews.go.com...
Watch 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events on ABC News Live: • LIVE: Latest News Head...
Watch full episodes of World News Tonight with David Muir here: • ABC World News Tonight...
Read ABC News reports online: abcnews.go.com
ABC News is the home to the #1 evening newscast “World News Tonight” with David Muir, “Good Morning America,” “20/20,” “Nightline,” “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos, “ABC News Live Prime” with Linsey Davis, plus the daily news podcast “Start Here.”
Connect with ABC News on social media:
Facebook: / abcnews
Instagram: / abcnews
TikTok: / abcnews
X: / abc
Threads: www.threads.ne...
LinkedIn: / abcnews

[@Grace-lh2eu]

Gosh I feel for that controller too - his life will never ever be the same, even though he (very likely) did nothing wrong and was following normal procedures as handed down to him. This whole situation is so tragic. I hope the rules change to avoid this ever again. God rest everyone’s soul.

[@28ebdh3udnav]

It has already to some point. The FAA banned some flight paths and introduced a few changes. From what I observed, the regional civilian jet, and ATC did nothing wrong. The helicopter was at fault but exactly what happened will be in the final report.

[@user-vp1sc7tt4m]

@@28ebdh3udnav Rules have been changed for only 30 days as of now.

[@SSintox]

He did nothing wrong but a good ATC controller (KZbin it: Kennedy Steve controller) Would have seen right away the danger, acted immediately and alerted both planes. "Did you see the CRJ" WHICH plane name in pitch black you jerk, there is one taking off, one landing.

[@Mark-kh1ny]

@@SSintoxhe did exactly that. The first call which nobody seems to be playing. “PAT25, traffic just south of the Woodrow bridge, a CRJ, it’s 1200 feet setting up for runway 33” Location, direction, type, height, intention The response “PAT25 has the traffic in sight, request visual separation” 45 seconds later, questions him again even though it’s now on the pilots shoulders using visual separation. ATC was awake, the pilot clearly wasn’t

[@rpmorrisjr]

Two aircraft collided in controlled airspace and your conclusion is the controller did nothing wrong? He had ON FNG JOB. Clearly no pilots in the comments.

[@CALIFRESH55]

There shouldn’t be helicopter routes right near the landing zone for planes

[@BobBaker-v9v]

And you SHOULD STOP SMOKING crack

[@SIMONWINTER-m6d]

Don't be silly. Passenger helicopters take off from airports.

[@bigmungus4864]

please leave this to the professionals. This route has been active for years. keeping visual separation is key

[@MateoPretzel]

​@bigmungus4864 well that didn't work.

[@Spooky505]

Been goin on for years. Hold a pilots license? Prolly not.

[@billbright1755]

Thanks to those brave crews doing recovery. An extremely difficult job. Stay strong.

[@Etambuyu67]

I'm so sorry for the bereaved families. This is horrendous beyond words. May God comfort them all. Zambia😢 🇿🇲

[@sierravista9013]

The controller had nothing to do with the crash. The helicopter pilot made the fatal error

[@gaz8891]

Hmm, not sure that's quite right. Shouldn't he have picked up that the helicopter was flying above its approved altitude and told him to descend ASAP? Shouldn't he have spoken with much more urgency and concern to make it clear that the helicopter was on a collision course and HAD to swerve ASAP ??

[@sierravista9013]

@gaz8891 the helicopter pilot said he saw the plane,the controller did tell him, and he went visual separation. The pilot made the mistake. Controllers do not panic they have to stay calm

[@kdcm6690]

Collision course warning, it's night time, somebody has to change course. They were too close.

[@curiouslytot1950]

⁠@@sierravista9013 according to military helicopter operators and the people in charge of them, the lights from the plane mixed with lights below cause them to easily be blinded and lose sight. So it’s possible that they did see then plane then lost it…. Apparently this happened before and the serviceman said he couldn’t see the plane… so he dropped 50ft just in case. Said it was a terrifying moment.

[@curiouslytot1950]

@gaz8891 It is actually a known issue and has been for a while. There are decades of complaints and close calls.. including the day before.

[@summerchildmid90s]

Some of the victim's families didn't lose just one, but multiple members. Think about it; one person losing 2 or 3 loved ones. I feel such a strong, rich sense of empathy for those who lost their loved ones in this horrible tragedy. Some people lost their 'favorite person' Some people lost the one they shared their life with and made life with. Some people lost the person that gave them life. Some people lost their siblings. The person they grew up and argued with, but would also protect with their life. The grief and sorrow will linger, and right now, it's heavy. I really, really, really hope that the victim's families are receiving an outpour of empathy, love, and kindness.

[@TSUNAMI-MAMI]

It’s horrific the immense loss that happened because of this preventable tragedy 💔

[@showspotter]

saw a family of 4 last name livingston on the plane. horrible.

[@summerchildmid90s]

@@showspotter that's terrible, loss of loved ones in this way is such an uncomfortable, inescapable, and potent kind of pain. I really, really hope the families and friends of the family that passes get the strong sturdy and consistent support they need.

[@PepsiT98]

This was beautifully said

[@summerchildmid90s]

@PepsiT98 Thank you

[@erwinl.8152]

Gosh, can you imagine how much worse it could have been if the wreckage had gone down anywhere but the river?!

[@MrGusinfla]

It's simple there was a take off at the same time with a 3rd plane in the air * I have no fucking clue y they will not mention this* that's the plane the copter thought it saw. It was unaware of the 3rd plane. It 100 foot above where it should have not been to. Uncle Sam's paying for this one

[@oliviaandlittlejoejoe4620]

Well yeah, except that maybe these ppl drowned and not impact

[@Epicfunk]

@@MrGusinfla If by Uncle Sam you mean us the tax payers, yes we will pay for this.

[@richardlane835]

@@Epicfunk yes we will because you know damn well that Trump will not pay for it. Trump never pays for anything

[@savingmoney5604]

I think helicopters should never fly any where around domestic and international airports at high altitude

[@BobBaker-v9v]

And we think you should STOP SMOKING crack and posting such idiotic and beyond ignorant comments

[@sabprogroup8623]

Helicopter was at incorrect hight too at that time

[@brittneyjake2010]

Not only that but affirmed he saw the plane, so was a human error @sabprogroup8623

[@suzanne9150]

Helicopters CAN NOT fly at high altitudes. They have a limit of 200 feet. The pilot that crashed into the plane was 100% at fault, he was flying at 350 feet. The Army and Trump Federal agencies are refusing to reveal the name of the WHITE MALE pilot who was flying the plane. Numerous outlets are now saying this crash could have been 100% intentional.

[@vickinelson9049]

Especially at the end of the run ways. Doesn’t make any sense to me at all. Too many aircraft’s in flight at the same time.

[@MsBerries25]

Tragic. So heartbreaking, and preventable

[@bernadettepotenti-l1t]

I agree

[@babloo1666]

The real question is why was there a military helicopter in a civilian air liner air space especially around where they land. No altitude makes sense in that scenario.

[@gaz8891]

Yes, indeed, but this was the norm in that airspace. Everyday and all the time, civilian planes and military helicopters flying around the same small space, so I've read from someone living in an apartment on the river.

[@ElpidioRomero-m9g]

Prayers to the family’s

[@ToastEr-f3b]

yeah because that does anything

[@mikeycarson4465]

It’s crazy how many plane crashes have happened just this year.. look at the statistics this does not happen.

[@waynelast1685]

There is a good video on youtube where a pilot gives a step-by-step account, with voice transmissions from the tower and pilots . Most likely the helicopter spotted a different plane.

[@am77734]

I thought the investigators said today nothing had been released and probably won't be for a while now! People put fake stuff online all the time. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@f8c3themusic]

@@am77734The ATC transmissions are available online. And Captain Steve is the KZbinr he’s referring to. He’s a decorated pilot and explained the communications leading up to the crash.

[@roxannevlogs7329]

@@am77734 you mean like the fake news of election fraud in 2016 and how insurrectionists of Jan 6th are now heroes

[@beev4289]

This place was lit up and right infront of them, there's no way they couldn't see it I think it's moreso they thought they had more space than they did to fly over or under or behind, whatever they were trying to do

[@waynelast1685]

@ this is a real pilot who accessed the tower voice communications and other stuff.

[@cocobaconproductions]

Dude finally said it. I wonder if they were looking at the right plane.

[@questionreality6003]

not many to choose from either as approaches are one at a time

[@choahjinhuay]

@@questionreality6003but multiple were visible as seen in the video

[@nickhorn9669]

It’s almost certainly going to show that they were watching the plane at their 12 o’clock on final to runway 1 and didn’t see the CRJ, which has swung to the east and was approaching 33 from high and to their left, away from the ‘normal’ flow of traffic into the primary runway at Reagan

[@suzanne9150]

Helicopter pilot was illegally flying at 350 feet when they have an altitude limit of 200 feet. HE FLEW INTO THE SIDE OF THE PLANE......Helicopter pilot was 100% at fault.

[@clbrock9085]

Agree...that other plane was taking off..I thought it was the one that was gonna be involved

[@johnnywalker4857]

Planes have a predetermined path to follow when taking off and landing. Whatever was going on in that helicopter pilot's mind is the key to finding out what happened.

[@gaz8891]

Yes, many questions starting with ... why were they flying above approved altitude ? Were they wearing night vision goggles or anything else that restricted vision ? What about the trainee pilot, who exactly were they and how experienced ? Is there any chance that remote control was involved ? Who was doing the ground control for the helicopter, given that it was a training flight ?

[@brittneyjake2010]

Y'all heard what the NTSB chairwoman said. She's gonna also look into the Human

[@suzanne9150]

WHY is the Army and Trump federal agencies REFUSING to reveal the name of the main helicopter pilot? It was a WHITE MALE but many networks are saying it could have been intentional.

[@SCOHEN250K]

The flight data will do nothing to solve the accident because the jet was on a normal stabilized approach. The cockpit voice recorder will at least let investigators know if the pilots of the jet were aware of the Blackhawk. No evasive maneuvers meant both pilots didn't have each other in sight just before impact.

[@Mikinct]

True, so black boxes will simply confirm inputs made for both pilots.

[@scottbennett1882]

Yeah, the CRJ was in a left bank with a nose high attitude - they almost certainly didn't see the Blackhawk.

[@AlwaysAwesome001]

Do I hear a bit of fluent goober? 👂🏻

[@user-vp1sc7tt4m]

The jet pilots were not aware of the helicopter and could not hear communications between the helicopter and air traffic control, but the air traffic controller was aware of both communications.

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Idiotic and beyond ignorant!!! Please STOP SMOKING crack because you're truly embarrassing yourself and your family

[@MoonDog991]

Either way the plane had a fixed route, it's that helicopter pilots fault.

[@Highlander-s3e]

It sure was but whether it was intentional, suicidal may be, we don't know.

[@JeffEbe-te2xs]

Dummy So did the helicopter

[@jk-76]

The airplane was just given clearence to chanche runways. He turned right, then "swung" in left.

[@RobynHood1021]

Oh they will cover it up so its not the military personnel’s fault

[@conceptcs]

The air traffic controller failed to tell where the plane is to the helicopter. Why do I say that? Because VASaviation posted a similar scenario at the very same airport just 24 hours before this crash. The air traffic controller told the helicopter incoming traffic's path of direction, whether it was decending, and altitude. Then he turns around and warns the landing plane about the same details relating to the helicopter's whereabouts. Maybe this is not a requirement, but it would have saved lives.

[@craigfrancis9578]

That black hawk is wrong

[@mwhite4764]

shiiiieee, you tell em fam and shieeee

[@mwhite4764]

they wuz wrong and shieeee

[@raneads1458]

Really not at allowable altitude, and ended up impacting together.

[@TheBullet51]

gender fluid tho lmao

[@maryannferrara4199]

yup

[@Truesdale22]

Need to Investigate the Blackhawks pilot 🤔

[@BrettFightorFlight]

Go ahead and ask him what happened

[@Truesdale22]

@BrettFightorFlight you must be over 10 years old to reply!

[@ZynxMods]

@@BrettFightorFlightlmao 😂😂😂

[@jingtian3698]

Can it be a terrorist attack ?

[@RobRyan-c3v]

Her.

[@moshuhnanren5845]

How could they not see that big ass plane?? Thats a military chopper, those things are made for evasive maneuvers dammit. The plane can't evade the same as a chopper, the plane pilot is not at fault.

[@roxannevlogs7329]

Rest In Peace to all 💔

[@paulswickard7488]

Thank God the wreckage landed in the water and not on buildings

[@Squeedword]

ATC called the Blackhawk twice telling it that it was heading for the plane

[@matthagan2977]

Never did the ATC give a distance and direction... there were 2 inbound and 1 outbound plane.

[@veraspresser5503]

Two different frequencies, helicopter military frequency, jet , regular frequency, helicopter received wrong one. 😢

[@cyn1979]

@@veraspresser5503don’t think so. It’s been reported that everyone was on the same frequency

[@veraspresser5503]

@cyn1979 My bad, if I'm wrong. I read that on a channel that I watch.

[@Mark-kh1ny]

@@matthagan2977yes they did. The first call no one is playing, 45 seconds before they make the second call you here on here. “PAT25, traffic just south of the Woodrow bridge, a CRJ, it’s 1200 feet setting up for runway 33” That’s textbook FAA guidance, you can look it up.

[@bellagirlgirl8827]

How could the helicopter crew not see the plane??

[@legoguyishere]

Night vision, most likely

[@Mikinct]

Flying at night adds dificuly & that area has a lot of lights all over area. Night googles in a highly lighted area might make night googles washout or worse visibility than not using night googles

[@TheBullet51]

hormone therapy

[@AG07SC05]

They need to change the rules to not have everyone in the helicopter be wearing night vision. A person without it might’ve been able to spot it and warn the pilot. It’s like having those virtual reality things on your face and you’re not aware of your surroundings. One should be looking out with normal freaking vision. SMH

[@matthewsmith1461]

They said they saw the plane and move out of the way

[@exloaded]

Nah, the ATC did an amazing job. We have the audio, lets not do that. Its pretty clear, the helicopter messed up.

[@nunyabiz1780]

everybody gets a trophy

[@gaz8891]

Is that what you call amazing ? The controller didn't even pick up that the helicopter was flying above its approved altitude and tell him to descent ?

[@exloaded]

@gaz8891 I mean, it's not like he could take control of the chopper remotely. He made clears as day, announcements and the pilot acknowledged them. It's not his fault mistakes we're made on the part of the chopper pilot.

[@RaleighLink]

It's suspicious that the Army won't release the name of the female helicopter pilot. Yet they released the names of the other two soldiers who were flying with her.... Why?? Weird.

[@benjamintaylor4402]

What's your point , Boz?

[@frodobaggins6270]

Because she is culpable and likely wasn't the best candidate for the job.

[@mairamontessa4249]

Victims have a right to privacy, particularly if they are in the Army. Pentagon has to notify the families first before information can be released to the media. The family chose not to release her name, which is their right.

[@RaleighLink]

@@mairamontessa4249 But the names of deceased service members are considered public information under FOIA. Exceptions only apply if releasing the information could compromise national security... I've never seen a situation where a they didn't release a name because of "family privacy", especially regarding a national tragedy.

[@frodobaggins6270]

@ When you are the cause of the death of so many people you don't really deserve privacy. The public has a right to know what happened here.

[@GNMi79]

Damn, how could the helicopter pilot have not seen that plane? Its landing lights were blindingly bright. There's no way.

[@xbshot]

The bright lights are on the front of the airplane. The helicopter was traveling towards the right side of the plane meaning the bright lights were not pointing at the helicopter.

[@mikedaleiden7725]

I wonder if some pilots are on their phones like we see drivers in cars making fools of themselves playing on their phone while driving.

[@Jyolski]

@@mikedaleiden7725no…. Jesus Christ you’re a bum

[@cheng897]

@@xbshot The landing lights don't have to point to the helicopter to be seen. The front part of the plane is also lightened up by the landing lights. There is no way the military pilots couldn't see it from that angle.

[@learnbyheart7]

@@GNMi79 Yes, wondering that too. That close, direct path, the lights? It seems suspicious to me could something have taken control of the helicopter, chip, something that blinded them? Who worked on that helicopter prior? So horribly sad for these Families.

[@winkieblink7625]

How on earth could the Blackhawk NOT SEE the jet in front of them? Very bizarre.

[@mikedaleiden7725]

He was probably on TikTok!

[@dagov4553]

@@mikedaleiden7725 you might be right lmao.

[@scottbennett1882]

CRJ was in a left hand bank, nose high attitude. Lights were probably hard to see, and my guess is that they were looking at the A319 on approach to RW1, not the CRJ they ended up hitting.

[@DeepikaSelvamani-v3j]

Yes , they can clearly see the light and bright at the sky. I'm sure its on purpose!!!! No doubt.

[@MarjoriePeterson-o7z]

Lmao????? What a COMPLETELY RUDE AND UNCALLED FOR COMMENT. There's Absolutely NOTHING funny about people losing their lives that were so full of promise and inspiration. Prayers and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends left behind without their loved ones.

[@RobRyan-c3v]

The plane was 5 secs away from landing. The helo was told by ATC. What eedgit flies in front of a runway above a ceiling, breaking FAA rules?

[@jamesm568]

If you do some research you would find out it's a common practice.

[@techsolutions8237]

You're looking extremely ignorant about now

[@williamlinington9166]

It almost looks like the blackhawk was on a suicide mission.

[@Victoria-iu5sb]

I also wondered if it was one of those pilot mass murder-suicides

[@Centauri27]

Yeah, that's what we were thinking.

[@scottbennett1882]

Nah. Just looking in the wrong place, probably at the A319 on final for RW1. Easy mistake, too much traffic in a small area at night. It's a bad setup.

[@AwgustRushOfficial]

Driven by Elons AI perhaps 🤔

[@MikeYoungeasytravel]

I blame 🍊! Chaos and confusion!!!

[@michaelschweitzer410]

To have a helicopter in that area knowing the plane is coming is beyond unexpectable bottom line helicopters fault

[@GarageGeek]

It’s a systematic issue. Such recklessness is permitted by regulation. The FAA and the military have failed the American People.

[@sageharris9925]

Military aircraft fly over my house daily doing exercises at the small municipal airport behind my house . They fly so close they clip the top Of trees

[@owenmccarthy2521]

You get that fact from number 47?

[@AlwaysAwesome001]

You speak fluent goofy. 🤗

[@AlwaysAwesome001]

​@@sageharris9925 Are your trees over 500 feet tall? 🤔

[@knightslade2007]

This is terrible! My deepest condolences to the families.

[@catsika3887]

So avoidable its enraging.

[@teppo9585]

Yeh. Who ever allowed a female into the controls of a Black Hawk in an environment that requires top level spatial awareness needs to be prosecuted.

[@AmandaWalker-lf6bp]

Heart wrenching...prayers up🙏

[@Mark-kh1ny]

Jeeze how are so many people so misinformed. Go and listen to the *actual full ATC audio* not the media version. 45 seconds before the call everyone seems to be starting from the following detailed call was made. “PAT25, traffic just south of the Woodrow bridge, a CRJ, it’s 1200 feet setting up for runway 33” Absolutely textbook FAA, no ambiguity, no which plane are you on about, location, direction, type, height, intention. The response: “PAT25 has the traffic in sight, request visual separation “ at this point it’s dead ahead, with landing lights on. Like the sun! When he calls back just 45 seconds later, even though it’s now on the pilot to avoid it visually, they are talking about the same plane. “Go behind” I.e. it’s in front of you. This is a grown man with a pilots license. It’s on him.

[@gaz8891]

But why didn't the controller notice that the helicopter was flying much higher than his approved altitude ? Surely that was crucial.

[@Mark-kh1ny]

@gaz8891 I’m don’t know why my responses keep disappearing. It will be good to know the official outcome. We’re talking about a difference of apparently 150 feet. Maybe it was a last minute change, we don’t even know if it’s true. However visual separation does put the accountability on the pilot at that point. ATC also intervened again when the collision alert triggered. It’s ultimately the pilot that has accountability for adhering to altitude restrictions.

[@Mark-kh1ny]

@gaz8891 I’ve just watched a video of the live radar feed including transponder info. If it’s to be believed, it shows the Black Hawk at 200 feet, until just before the collision, at which point it suddenly jumps to 300 as the CRJ drops to 300. The media seems to be shaping this if you ask me. Purposely leaving out the first clear transmission and throwing in that the Black Hawk was higher but letting everyone assume that was all the time. Disingenuous behaviour (no surprise)

[@gaz8891]

@@Mark-kh1ny Oh right, that's very interesting.

[@papawheely4137]

The helicopter had two pilots. One was a man and the other was a woman. Idk which one was actually flying though.

[@Netstarr88]

Completely ridiculous that these helicopters fly anywhere near that busy airport

[@bzekarias499]

“Do you see that Jet”? There’re 2 planes approaching. The correct question is - do you see the plane at x O’clock.

[@joshmccarty8800]

Nah there’s one taking off and one landing. Taking off would be at the heli six and hanging left up river and landing at almost twelve down river until it deviated to land on 33 and then it would move off to its ten and hook back in. Either way it would have been mostly in front of the helis path but might have been confused from the deviation.

[@joshmccarty8800]

The plane taking off wouldn’t have ever been any chance of conflict.

[@JagbirSinghNagra]

Ive work at yyz for 7 years. When an aircraft is on final approach at night time... the headlight is engaged as the the landing gear is deployed(its on the front landing gear)...how did the helicopter pilot not see the headlight to his 10°clock?

[@TiffanyMNull]

@@joshmccarty8800There actually were 2 planes approaching. Watch Captain Steeve’s video on it.

[@scottbennett1882]

The original traffic included the aircraft type, its bearing, altitude, and intentions. The Blackhawk stated they had it in sight and requested visual separation - saying that they would take responsibility for avoiding the CRJ. The second transmission was ATC confirming that they had the CRJ in sight - but they'd already been given the information to identify it. My guess is that they were looking at the A319 on approach to RW1.

[@greengrowthcam7723]

My deepest condolences to all victims 🥲

[@Highlander-s3e]

It's clear, the military copter hit that civilian plane whether intentionally or not we don't know. It's government's fault.

[@Bruce_LeRoyy]

how is it government fault?

[@leonardodalongisland]

You may want to check with both of your brain cells? Calling this "intentional" is absurd and irrational. Blaming the "government" is stupid and unfounded and the words of a conspiratorialist.

[@Highlander-s3e]

@leonardodalongisland Did I say it was intentional, or whether it was intentional or not we don't know?.Did you even fully read my comment? And as far as whose fault it was for the crash, the military copter belonged to the government that hit the passenger plane. And let assume the blame is somehow shifted towards the Air Traffic Controllers, they two are government staffers right? It's crystal clear that the civilian plane didn't cause this tragic event and is not at fault.

[@frodobaggins6270]

@@leonardodalongisland Really? If you watch the video and the radar and look at the facts it is very possible that the pilot of the heli intended to hit the plane. They increased their altitude, flew off path, sped up, and turned directly into the path of the plane. I'm not saying it was intentional, but it certainly looks like it could have been. The army wont release information on the third pilot, which makes it seem like they're covering something up. The government are the ones who designated the helicopter route and made it so close to the civilian airport. This is not absurd or irrational information; it is logical and analytical. If you think this was just a freak accident and the government isn't to blame, then you may be drunk on government koolaid.

[@leonardodalongisland]

@@frodobaggins6270 Ok...and the "government" caused September 11th, Fight 800, the shooting of Lincoln and the guy who stole my catalytic converter.......

[@mizzy-mk9gx]

sending prayers to the victims and their families...

[@RomieRodriguez-t3n]

My deepest Condolences. May they find all bodies. Tragic accident.

[@MaxiMum1324]

News should be delivered neutral and not dramaticized. Look at how other countries do it. Okay, do not look at North Korea, though.

[@GuiltyBystander58]

Why is the military using a busy airport for training? It puts civilians at risk. Are the commercial pilots informed military training is happening in the airspace over the airport? So many questions!

[@PangHYang]

This is normal all over the US; military typically shared their space and flying lands with commercial flights. They have towers that talk to each other. So the questions is what happen here.

[@razb8888]

of course they know there are helicopters flying there, they can SEE them man

[@TheVideoBarron]

There’s a marine base directly across the river from the airport

[@snaveekaj7492]

That was 100% setup. Potentially a diversion from soemthing worse. Or the attourneys that were on board may have been working on something they didnt want them to find out. Elizabeth keys is one of them although i cant seem to find what case they were working on when they were assasinated by a helecopter.

[@aldofromsf]

Clearly the helicopter had the opportunity and the time to make evasive maneuvers. The plane was in their sight. Instead it rammed right into the passenger jet as if it was autopiloted.

[@Centauri27]

Sure looks like it was headed on an intentional collision course.

[@scottbennett1882]

Probably had the wrong aircraft in sight, an A319 was on final for RW1. Just looking in the wrong place. If you're looking for something sinister here: Having helos crossing ~100 feet below the approach path for a runway at a busy airport in congested, heavily restricted airspace, at night, is insane. DCA ideally shouldn't exist, it certainly should have far less traffic than it does. But Congress, top government officials, lobbyists, and those who have to meet with all of the above, don't want to schlep to Dulles or BWI. So DCA gets ever busier. This was inevitable. Relying on a helicopter crew to correctly identify the traffic they're in conflict with at night, with a ton of light pollution in the area, with a lot of traffic, is exactly one layer of safety. And a rather flimsy one at that. Seems like they got it wrong, luck wasn't on anyone's side, and we see the result.

[@AlwaysAwesome001]

Had time to check its altitude to STAY BELOW 200' How did TWO MILITARY BLACK HAWK PILOTS miss that?

[@senseisecurityschool9337]

It seems quite likely the helicopter pilot was looking at a different plane, the one that was going to land after the CRJ. He said he saw the plane - but at night the plane is just a dot of light in the sky. There's no way to know WHICH plane you're looking at, to distinguish a CRJ from another similarly sized plane. On the other hand, the Blackhawk pilot absolutely should have stayed below 200 feet, so that a mistake like looking at the wrong plane doesn't kill people. So far, it looks like the heli pilot thought "I see it, I've got this" and thought he didn't need to follow the safety rules - or had something else distracting him.

[@28ebdh3udnav]

Not necessarily but they likely confused one plane for another. Since they were told to be careful with said plane, they likely got tunnel vision and confirmation bias. From what I see, the regional jet and the ATC did nothing wrong. It all points to the helicopter

[@MrChrisWyllie]

Opps, It's David Muir, moving on...not even finishing this video

[@MikeMc-512]

The only evidence you need is the arrogance, ignorance, and smugness of the Army pilot. Military pilots should be barred from civilian airport airspace. Military pilots are not required to listen to, or respond to, civilian air traffic controllers…and it shows.

[@BobBaker-v9v]

WTF is WRONG with you? Please STOP SMOKING crack and posting such idiotic and beyond ignorant comments because you're truly embarrassing yourself and your family and obviously need serious mental counseling

[@gwebocelestron9194]

I am not buying the BS that the helicopter saw the wrong plane. Someone put thst out there and everyone is regurgitating it without thinking for themselves. I lived in the DC area and flew in and out of Reagan many times. I know how busy that airport can get, especially in the evenings when planes are landing their final flight for the day. I now live near Sky Harbor airport in Phoenix and from my back yard on South Mountain I can watch in the evenings the planes stacking and lining up for landing. It can be as many as 8 to 10 planes visible stacking up. You can clearly see them. Landing lights lit up like a string of xmas lights. This happens every evening, 365 days a year. Helicopter pilots stationed at Ft. Belvior, who fly in the DC area, should be well aware of planes stacking up to land at Reagan every evening. It is not good enough for the helicopter acknowledging seeing a single plane. That pilot should be looking for and be aware of all planes lining up for landing. All of them in her vicinity. There is something seriously wrong with these helicopter pilots that needs investigation.

[@civilcivilian]

3 sets of eyes in that helicopter doing nothing but looking outside of the helicopter. Huge military failure.

[@dereks4228]

They said an airplane the day before missed an approach at that airport because of a helicopter intrusion.

[@MrHav1k]

Not everything is a conspiracy theory. Chill.

[@civilcivilian]

​@@MrHav1kmk ultra

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Lol..The ONLY thing wrong is that you continue to smoke crack and post such idiotic comments

[@0BirdsEyeView0]

New clues? We have seen enough to know what happened. Don't even need the Blackbox on this one.

[@ddthompson42]

Seriously.

[@0BirdsEyeView0]

@@ddthompson42 yes.

[@ddthompson42]

@@0BirdsEyeView0 Yep. I agree; that was “Seriously.” not “Seriously?” 😆

[@0BirdsEyeView0]

@ gotcha. 😬

[@JaneRusso-z4o]

So sad praying for all the victims families

[@ChicReal]

Why won't the military release the names of the "three" military personnel in the Blackhawk??!??!

[@svjim1]

The family of the female pilot requested they not release her name at this time. The two male pilots names were released.

[@t.r.4496]

Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Georgia, is believed to be deceased pending positive identification. The remains of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, of Great Mills, Maryland, have not yet been recovered, therefore is duty status-whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN). It's on the military website.

[@t.r.4496]

The female pilots family is asking not to release her name.

[@emilyphillips6835]

I read that the family requested that the name not be released….

[@jay4you853]

And what information will that bring to you?! Or what information are you desperately hoping to hear?!

[@vickypunzalan3755]

Telling the pilot of the helicopter that they are flying towards a direct path to a jetliner and request of a visual separation might not be a good idea does not require 2 people to warn the chopper pilots! It’s a cop out to blame staff shortage for the death of 64 innocent people.

[@sounddoctor5decades]

Why are they not releasing the information on the pilot of the chopper, they released the info on the check pilot and the crew chief, but nothing on the pilot in control. This is WRONG, what are they keeping from the American public, one journalist said the family wanted to prevent the release, well I'm sorry, this person, based on information available, was one of the key people responsible for the deaths of 67 people, and was a public servant, the public has a right to know all pertinent information about this individual, RELEASE IT NOW!

[@yrag89]

No accountability. The truck driver who killed 4 was sentenced to 110 years and his name fully revealed. Yet this person who is most likely the cause of 67 deaths name is hidden

[@NEEKZ81]

⁠@@yrag89they reduced his sentence to 10 years…but i agree with you, no accountability

[@babajinde]

All names are public...

[@sounddoctor5decades]

@@babajinde please provide pilot in command of the chopper, that IS NOT in the public domain.

[@sounddoctor5decades]

@@babajinde great now we have a name, but no qualifications, if she was unqualified and going on a training sortie, what CO signed off on such a complex mission, so many unanswered questions

[@BeliociousBeliousBells]

What Was The Mental State, On His Computer, Last Texts & GPS For The Pilot ?

[@kikiryki]

blackhawk was flying higher than was authorized to fly when the impact occurred

[@kirk2767]

People keep focusing on that, however minimum vertical separation is 1,000 feet. There was no way it would have been safe for the Blackhawk to go under.

[@chiomaokoro1843]

There is no error loading

[@chiomaokoro1843]

This media is a fraud deleteing comments is fraudulent false news against freedom of press to act unethical and violation of 14 th Amendment to conceal false crime using media

[@andresmattos7541]

YOU GOTTA BE IDIOTIC TO HAVE ALLOWED HELICOPTERS IN SUCH A SMALL AND CONGESTED AIRPORT LIKE THIS ONE

[@vietumy7024]

Had nothing to do with dei, army have been training there since a very long time. Should be questioned why they train there

[@gaz8891]

@@vietumy7024 Imposing DEI in a busy, stressful environment is absolutely wrong and will lead to events like this.

[@vietumy7024]

@gaz8891 Had nothing to do with dei, women have been flying in the army for decades. When well trained it is like driving a car.

[@gaz8891]

@@vietumy7024 I can't agree. It's not about when women started in the army. It's about the fact that DEI policies were introduced in both the military and FAA, and this policy was designed to influence the recruitment process. It meant that people with certain qualities - including women and trans - were being appointed above those who were more qualified. That is why this policy WAS undermining safety, and has been opposed by so many.

[@vietumy7024]

@gaz8891 dei came WAY after the time women started to work in the military. DEI was especially aiming at niche groups such as trans people or people with disabilties. Women are not a niche group but make up ca. 50% of the population. And several military generals already confirmed that if you are a black hawk pilot you earned it and you are def. qualified as was this crew! It is as they said like driving a car, if you park it thousands of times of course you are good at it. Also, there were 6 eyes in the heli that missed the plane somehow. Plus the woman was not even in charge ( rank).Thousands of male pilots crashed before, nobody questioned the ability because of their gender or of men in general. It was always about the individual who caused this. Women are allowed to make mistakes, too, without discouraging all women just because of their gender.

[@rexxor4219]

Yeah im not getting on a plane for awhile

[@barb6219]

One of the controllers were told they could leave early. So instead of there being one controller for the military copter and one for civilian air traffic, there was only one controller for both.

[@razb8888]

thanks for regurgitating what the news has already said - it's also normal for there to only be one controller. and that one controller let the helicopter know they needed to get out of the way.

[@barb6219]

@razb8888 Wrong. Not normal. At an extremely busy airport. The second controller was told they could leave early. What don't you understand about that?

[@BobBaker-v9v]

STFU because that is pure speculation and you sound like an idiot

[@timd-s1p]

I believe you're regurgitating inaccurate information...

[@grilledlettuce4028]

Good job on them graphics actually helps a lot❤

[@mhoneybee3137]

So sad. Just so sad 😢

[@Bruce_LeRoyy]

after the data is recover they will confirm the military pilot were not in permissive air space....

[@conceptcs]

Similar to innocent until proven guilty. There is always due process.

[@crazychase98]

NYT reported that. Already they also said the pilot was a female

[@prodtheo]

it was the helicopters fault for being two high, and the planes fault more not taking a wide enough turn

[@reinelantz3304]

@@prodtheothe commercial aircraft was EXACTLY where it was supposed to be.

[@SimanSlivar]

@@prodtheo ? plane was on final for the runway flying the correct approach....

[@kattypan3293]

The helicopter wasn't supposed to be above 200ft in that traffic area. plane looks bright and clear in front + crash warning + no last moment maneuver. something is not right

[@BobBaker-v9v]

The ONLY thing that's NOT right is you and your continual use of crack

[@johngonzo9671]

That was suicide by a helicopter because they wouldn't reveal his name or who he was. And from the video, you can see the helicopter was far enough to wait for the plane to land. He was asked by the controller can he see the helicopter. He responded yes. You can see the helicopter at a higher altitude than the plane and it goes lower to fly into it at a high speed. This was no accident, period !! This was intentional. The plane was already on course to land, it could not slow down, and the helicopter could have easily changed course or slowed down. There is a whole wide open-air space. The plane could have only gone straight otherwise it would stall and crash. So I don't care what NTSB said or the government. The video and air traffic voice recording is enough evidence. Plain and simple !! The plane was intentionally hit by the helicopter. Truly unfathomable for those people who never knew what was coming. Texting their loved ones they're about to land and not know it will be the last seconds. It is not a joke, appreciate the ones you have. Because we all have timers in our life and time always runs out. We don't get to say when but we all have an end date, some sooner than others. Many of us won't see you tomorrow. Tell the ones you love every day and show it through actions. No argument is bigger than losing them. Rest In Peace 🙏

[@RaleighLink]

The black hawk helicopter pilot was a woman. The army only released the names of the two male soldiers accompanying her. The male instructor was the one talking to ATC, but he wasn't flying the helicopter. The army won't release the female pilots name. It's very sus.

[@johngonzo9671]

@RaleighLink Yeah I agree ! It doesn't add up , but on the voice recorder I hear a guy not a woman . He's the one who responds yes I see the plane. It could have been hijacked. The helicopter is definitely flying into it that's all I'm saying. I want to see or hear evidence that proves otherwise.

[@jaskamon6127]

maybe

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Lol . Please STOP SMOKING crack and posting such idiotic and beyond delusional comments because you're truly embarrassing yourself and your family and obviously need serious mental counseling

[@Onmountainhigh]

Dark clouds are in the air space, be careful of landing and take offs.

[@raneads1458]

Rule number one, no two aircraft are to occupy the same altitude in the same area, at the same time. Also, any light or dot on your pilot windscreen that does not move is very very hard to detect with the abundant amount of nighttime light pollution. Add possible use of nightvision goggles, and now you begin to see the compounding factors.

[@qwadebryson6165]

Now when the military says it needs more money for new equipment and quality pilots, MAYBE THE POLITICIANS will listen now.

[@mhorlack]

This is what happens when you wanna cut cost on employees and training!

[@civilcivilian]

I don't know that the military has ever cut costs on anything ever. They were supposed to be trained at that very moment. It's been reported as a training flight from the beginning.

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Please STOP SMOKING crack and posting such idiotic and beyond ignorant comments because you're truly embarrassing yourself and your family

[@deniseomeara4266]

How could the Blackhawk not have seen the plane?!?!? They had to be looking straight at it.

[@DynamicDuo795]

Another plane crashed in Philadelphia. No survivors, either.

[@shereckasmith224]

When?

[@ashbur-hugs]

Small medical plane carrying 6 people

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Lol . WTF is wrong with you? They are totally different situations!! Now STOP SMOKING crack and posting such idiotic and beyond ignorant comments because you're truly embarrassing yourself and your family and obviously need serious mental counseling

[@drcat1313]

What clues do you need? There is a video of the crash clearly showing helicopter at flout. So just figured out why the helicopter was doing a suicide dive

[@MichelleSalay-w8z]

Military fault looks like

[@polygonalmasonary]

Breaking News: the helicopters black box has been given to Trumps military so any evidence showing the copter is at fault can be hidden from the public 🙄🙄🙄🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@ErikS-]

Pretty big coincidence imo that the crash happened so close to the White House... I think that by itself causes me to think it may very well be an intentional crash.

[@anneanne9009]

It's the most congested airport in the world for landings and according to pilots, one of the most difficult!

[@macdealer7936]

If it os the most congested in the world why in the hell there was only one controller?

[@volleyballurrrr]

@@macdealer7936 because there is a shortage of ATCs nationwide. It’s a major problem. It’s one of the most stressful jobs in the world and it does not pay accordingly

[@Utube-l1p]

My thoughts exactly too.

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Lol... Please STOP SMOKING crack and posting such idiotic and beyond delusional comments because you're truly embarrassing yourself and your family and obviously need serious mental counseling

[@mike747436]

There’ll be a number of findings from this accident, there always are, but the crucial fact, if confirmed, was the Heli flying above its maximum cleared height of 200’. What actions ATC could or should have taken may be contributing factors. I’d also speculate that this procedure for Heli transits will likely now be assessed as unsafe.

[@questionreality6003]

Good overviews. Mods coming no doubt to prevent 'cowboy commands' in a definitely no-cavalier attitudes allowed arena.

[@mike747436]

@@questionreality6003Cowboy commands? Well, I’ve held military and civil commands over a 42 year aviation career, so bring it on!

[@eekthecat9933]

I smell a cover up coming

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Then STOP SMOKING crack and posting such idiotic and beyond delusional comments because you're truly embarrassing yourself and your family and obviously need serious mental counseling

[@BrenysF53]

It's so sad that we can not trust you guys anymore. How come you guys don't show the previous trajectory of the helicopter. 👎

[@civilcivilian]

Perhaps Trump called up the helicopter for a McDonald's run. That has as much probability as anything else. It was reported to be a VIP Black Hawk service unit I believe.

[@josephgriffin2388]

If all you got are Trump jabs, CNN is that way schlomo--->>>

[@BobBaker-v9v]

WTF is WRONG with you? Please STOP SMOKING crack and posting such idiotic and beyond ignorant comments because you're truly embarrassing yourself and your family and obviously need serious mental counseling

[@gaz8891]

I understood that it was training to do VIP service, not actually doing that.

[@civilcivilian]

​@gaz8891 I understood it to be a Black Hawk VH 60N and its specifically used for that VIP purpose. It very well could have been on a training flight, but who really knows for sure. The crew and the government. And the crew isn't talking and we can't/ shouldn't trust the government.

[@annmoody4186]

Where did the helicopter take off?

[@aaronandvicky7652]

Whether the family asked for the name to not be released is irrelevant, when your in the military, you belong to the government, not to the family

[@razb8888]

wtf are you talking about bro

[@BobBaker-v9v]

WTF? STFU and STOP SMOKING crack because you're truly embarrassing yourself and your family and obviously need serious mental counseling

[@CRrrr-gq1so]

Until the evidence shows otherwise, I have to believe that the army copter was at fault.

[@acemacgruber6593]

If the Blackhawk pilot is at fault, how can trump and elon blame DEI?

[@MCknowledge]

Dei in the faa policy as well as lowered standards in the military

[@lennymcmillion]

Because the Blackhawk pilot was a woman 😂 glad you brought this up.

[@mn8283-z5q]

DEI has nothing to do with it at all trump and Elon cleaned house there first week. We never had a crash like this under biden. So quit listening to that idiot President that doesn’t know what he is talking about

[@TheUtuber999]

@@lennymcmillion What are you trying to imply? Women pilots have been in the military for decades.

[@eltamarindo]

Women started flying in the Military in the early 1990s. Back then, DCA saw half the traffic that it does today. DCA is more dangerous than it was back then. It is even dangerous just for planes on the runways. So many planes, so many chances for mistakes. The increase in women pilots has no effect plus or minus. There is just more risk with more aircraft, often 1 per minute, landing. The airport is crazy congested and it is madness to have helicopters try to visually cross over flight paths at the same altitude. If the military pilots were following the rules it would have be just a near miss. The helicopter would have passed 100+ feet below airplane.

[@greghimm2753]

You guys still don’t get it. The black hawk was remotely controlled and deliberately flew into the plane to murder someone on that plane.

[@ZynxMods]

“Clearest video yet” yeah okay 😂

[@shawnwhite3662]

The first video was pitch Black and you couldn't really see anything just lights....This new footage is a lot better.

[@a.t1044]

The military should be held accountable for this irresponsible act.

[@SSL0707Star]

I hear the ATC tape for a similar situation 24h prior to this incident, and the instructions from the other ATC is much more detailed, consistent and affirmative. To me, the main reasons are 1. The helicopter was flying out of zone 2. ATC didn’t help enough. The last minute change of landing runway might also contribute to this disaster, because TCAS didn’t give warning after the jet changed approach which crossed the path with the helicopter but dropped below 1000feet.

[@dontsettlefor500mill]

Here's the video... exclusively from CNN, and we will now show you three, blurry still pictures from that video.

[@rondifrankel]

Yesterday Washington, today Philadelphia ... tomorrow? This is what happens when neither the government nor the private sector will invest in training of pilots and air traffic controlers. Air transport security is not a profit center!

[@larryhaynes5323]

The FAA has been under staffed for years. This is yet another example of cutting back.

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Lol... WTF? Please STOP SMOKING crack and posting such idiotic and beyond ignorant comments because you're truly embarrassing yourself and your family and obviously need serious mental counseling

[@KittyBoyLaCroix]

Pretty obvious the helicopter was being operated remotely. There's no way in hell that a pilot woukd have just kept flying with those bright lights coming right at him. Nobody was on that helicopter

[@chaseme9860]

"clues"? Maybe release the identity of the "woman" helicopter pilot. Withholding it only promotes speculation of a cover-up.

[@suzanne9150]

JUST STOP........It was a WHITE MALE flying the helicopter who 100% CAUSED THE CRASH.

[@midgie1166]

Her name was finally released

[@villepakarinen]

When bro says "deadliest in more than two decades" and you go "hold up! 9/11??" Then the existential crisis hits...

[@Newfoundadventures-2024]

The military must identify the helicopter pilot! Apparently her family has requested her identity be withheld, which is ridiculous considering she is most likely the main cause of this crash.

[@stevanledesma9651]

It was a white man

[@SheLoveSports]

It's only because of the comments' section that I have learned that the pilot was a woman. I have been looking at coverage sporadically.

[@Newfoundadventures-2024]

@@stevanledesma9651 no it wasn’t. There were two men and a woman in the helicopter.

[@Newfoundadventures-2024]

@@SheLoveSports I’m not sure if it has been mentioned verbally, but there are multiple articles written about it on multiple news websites including in the Sky News and the New York Times.

[@spektrumB]

The voice from PAT25 talking to ATC sounds like a male voice to me.

[@BeingUndone]

“…the air traffic controller was doing the job, normally handled by two people…” Condolences 💐

[@g.w.7893]

Can we get the name of the female BH pilot? Asking for a friend.

[@BobBaker-v9v]

STFU.. You DON'T need it and the family has EVERY right to keep it private

[@midgie1166]

Rebecca

[@al6243]

I thought tiny drones aren't even allowed near airports. So why are helicopters allowed?

[@NinaFahey]

Hopefully a future president will release these confidential documents for us to get the truth

[@9Ballr]

You mean after over 99% of them have already been released, like with the JFK files?

[@c.s.everett1721]

Wait 6 months, maybe a year, the NTSB final report when it comes out will include anything relevant.

[@InterestinglyViral]

It’s sad that the Black Hawk misidentified the plane and even though they requested visual separation, the ATC controller who was working 2 shifts, should have denied the request after realising that they were still heading for a collision. And what’s worse is the fact that the passengers would have seen the Black Hawk heading their way before the pilots even realised (if they had), and by then it was already too late. It’s also sad for the Black Hawk crew as they had no idea they they were flying into a passenger plane until it was too late for them.

[@mr.allfacts9489]

This is a scene from the movie Final Destination.

[@BobBaker-v9v]

Please STOP SMOKING crack and posting such idiotic and beyond ignorant comments because you're truly embarrassing yourself and your family

[@truetomyself8880]

All victims loved ones and American Airlines need to sue. We lost too many people because they chose to fly out of their flying zone. If that helicopter was supposed to be 200 ft, it had no business going all the way up to 325 ft. That’s 125 ft above where they are supposed to be now 67 people lost their lives. I don’t know anyone that was on the flights but I’m hurting for their loved ones. Sudden death is the worst pain to endure. Prayers for everyone impacted by this tragedy ❤😢

[@flodareltih9825]

Fighter jet-✅ Helicopter - ✅ Commercial -✅ Small plane -✅ Trump2025 for you

[@prodtheo]

whats next?

[@buttercup2573-g5m]

@@prodtheo economic collapse

[@phillipkulas2302]

@@buttercup2573-g5m, not if President Trump’s declaring an energy emergency is heeded. The increase in energy production will fuel an increase in the national economic output. A strong economy needs abundant, reliable, and easily available energy to exist. President Trump is giving the green light to the energy production industry in the USA to produce more energy which will be a big boost to economic activity here in the USA.

[@nickr2663]

Damn, you people are so butt hurt to make such an immature comment. For f sake grow up kiddies. For people looking in from outside the US, comments such as yours are comical. You are making Americans out to be a laughing stock. Get it together.

[@larryhaynes5323]

@@nickr2663 WE ARE the laughing stock of the World!! Because of the republicans.