Last Radio from Army Helicopter | Mid-Air Crash with American Airlines CRJ-700

[@VASAviation]

PART 1 VIDEO kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZqyqpWbYrN9fs0 This PART 2 video includes audio to/from PAT25 on dedicated Helicopter frequency and talking to Tower normally, not covered in the PART 1 video. This concludes that PAT25 had indeed a traffic in sight (not confirmed if JIA5342 or AAL3130, or another) and requested visual separation, which Tower approved.

[@jake_]

Thank you for all your work.

[@joshilini2]

Thank you Vic for all you do!

[@rhino_42]

You should really delete the first video so that people don’t continue to think the helo didn’t respond. I appreciate all your hard work.

[@SDRaaz]

@@Thanks-px6hc Yes, it is OK. VFR vs IFR, the VFR pilot becomes responsible for separation once he confirms he has traffic in sight, doubly so when the IFR is landing which gives it further priority over the VFR. Tower would suggest a heading to avoid collision only if the VFR reports loss of visual, which hasn't happened and I don't see a universe where the helicopter would lose sight of the landing lights of the incoming aircraft. They probably confused it for another.

[@jpdunamislodge]

@@SDRaazI agree. I’m pretty sure that the chopper guy had the departing traffic off of runway 01 not the RJ in site.

[@nicolopadovan3538]

I just want to point out how important channels like this have become. Reporting unbiased, factual information without any kind of intermediary is of immeasurable importance, allowing us all to independantly make informed decisions in our environment, be it political, social, professional. Thank you for your great work.

[@suzyq8021]

President Donald Trump has blamed diversity and inclusion for one of the deadliest plane crashes in U.S. history. President Trump: 'The FAA website states they include hearing, vision, missing extremities, partial paralysis, complete paralysis, epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, psychiatric disability and dwarfism all qualified for the position of a controller of air planes pouring into our country, pouring into a little spot. A little dot on the map. A runway.'

[@chrisclements4676]

Absolutely!! Great shout out!

[@ValerieGriner]

Great comment.

[@touristguy87]

....you don't know the status of either the audio or the dots that supposedly indicate air locations. I'm watching this about 15 hrs after the crash.

[@thor3399able]

People already commented that helicopter was remotely guided! All conspiracy theories flying around!😢

[@cageordie]

You have done a brilliant job on this. Vastly better than the press.

[@ctadam12]

The press is garbage

[@johnjohnjohnjohnjohn5769]

I'm curious, how does presenting the audio and transcript with terms that most people who don't know or follow aviation mean that it is "vastly better than the press"?

[@JustherefortheLOLZ]

@@johnjohnjohnjohnjohn5769 He's not imparting a spin or speculation.

[@johnjohnjohnjohnjohn5769]

@@JustherefortheLOLZ Well, thats true, but he's not saying anything at all..... If you put this in front of the average person who doesn't know anything about aviation the only thing they take away from this is a crash happened. And as someone with family in journalism I strongly disagree with calling the Today show, MSNBC, and Fox News as "the press". You shouldn't be getting your news from that anyways.

[@caw7007]

Exactly what I was going to write. 💖🙏✈️

[@Zorthal]

I think they had the wrong aircraft in sight...I think the chopper had AAL3130 insight, not realising it was the incorrect runway...

[@dave50266]

Yep, the chopper was way too casual when the tower asked if he had traffic in sight when he got the CA alarm, I don't think he realized the CRJ was right there, he almost had to have been looking at something else.

[@bigstick6332]

Sure seems that way. 😢

[@MeerkatADV]

Most likely. Doesn't explain why they were 200ft above the approved crossing altitude.

[@raybankes7668]

Lots of lights close to the ground. Atc maybe should have had them wait. Day vmc and night vmc over city with airports close together is an issue they should visit.

[@joshilini2]

Absolutely! ATC could have said more to help prevent this.

[@Jay-hr3rh]

My heart goes out to another victim of this crash, the air traffic controller. I'm sure he's asking himself a million questions.

[@KevinHuangPhasorQuantaG]

And no doubt he's undergoing an investigation right now.

[@MstislavSienkievich]

Not a victim, you clown.

[@Jmjbs]

This controller experienced the ultimate trauma working on position, and will now be interrogated, probably will have to testify in front of Congress, in court, etc. I feel so sorry for them, who knows if they will ever be able to work again after an incident like this.

[@SomeRandomGuy789]

@@Jay-hr3rh probably busy kissing and slobbering all over each other

[@ronswansonsdog2833]

You’re so right. The next time I have a bad day at the office, I’m going to remember what this poor ATC guy is going through rn to put it in perspective. Unimaginable. Rip to all the souls lost.

[@barrygunning4424]

I'm a retired USAF air traffic controller with over 18 years experience in the field, and I've seen my fair share of accidents and incidents, some of which I still have nightmares about. Watching this and the part 1 video literally made me sick to my stomach. I wanted to scream at the screen while watching those two tracks merge at the same altitude. I'm not going to point any fingers and assign blame, but there were multiple opportunities to avert this catastrophe. My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident, and I know for a fact that the controllers involved in this accident will never be the same. These types of accidents are a controllers worst nightmare. Prayers for all involved.

[@AmericanJumpingBeans]

Been wondering if they could have been told to ascend quickly? Would that be possible?

[@rdavistv41]

I'm a former SEL guy, makes me sick too. Obviously very late coordination, but once the helo got vfr avoidance clearance, i keep wondering why they did not rapidly turn away, I guess they turned towards 33 instead of away and just closed the gap even faster.

[@SaucySharp]

I’m still confused with the fact that the helo was told to pass behind the CRJ and even if he thought AAL 3130 was the CRJ he still crossed the 33 approach in front of that aircraft. In my eyes there can’t be any blame placed on those controllers

[@raymort3]

@ - why do you think he thought the 3130 was his traffic. That plane was 3-4 miles away. The helo pilot requested special permission to bust the altitude restriction to avoid the CRJ - he knew the CRJ was turning into him.

[@raymort3]

I think the controller is going to take the fall on this one. He should have provided a boundary for the helo to stay East of in order to stay clear of the final approach for landing traffic.

[@laurencekoetsier]

I was just watching the news in the Netherlands. And the aviation expert explaining mid air collisions, used this channel for his explanation.

[@rkan2]

Channel?

[@FloridaFishing2743]

@@rkan2 i think Swiss001 i just finished watching his and he used this video

[@rkan2]

@@FloridaFishing2743 I was looking for the Dutch TV channel

[@pjparkjd]

It's the first place I looked.

[@fhowland]

Allowing VFR directly crossing the path of one of the busiest runway approaches in the country at night is sheer INSANITY. This was an accident waiting to happen.

[@mikec4114]

Amen brother, but it happens every day

[@JamesCook-u9h]

I know nothing about aviation but that was my first thought. Why is a helicopter crossing the flight path for arrivals at a commercial airport?

[@mysterioanonymous3206]

100%. It's criminal.

[@SterlingsOpinion]

​@mysterioanonymous3206 next question who was on that flight? I know accidents happen but so does murder. Or what was the plane carring

[@ballpark3166]

Normal ops in DCA. This is still a tragedy however.

[@greggcollins7449]

No aircraft should be allowed to fly through the arrival or departure paths of active runways EVER, let alone under visual separation rules. Insane system that I presume will now, at last, change. Great job getting this out, BTW. Horrible tragedy, so sorry to everyone affected by it.

[@mvgamer9637]

Yep, if this has been standard. This was an accident waiting to happen, unfortunately.

[@Eclipse-lw4vf]

@@mvgamer9637it’s how this airport has done it for years.. sadly just a matter of when not if

[@douglascooper1987]

Sadly people had to Die from what is an Obvious ClusterFvck.😕

[@BlackBarney]

Totally agree. Especially TRAINING flights should not be permitted to cross approach/departure paths at all. Hoping something will change as a result.

[@freddyMorrison-s7j]

@greggcollins7449, You have raised an excellent point here. That area has always been a complete zoo.

[@TrainerAQ]

When Pat25 requested visual separation and tower approved it, responsibility for see and avoid goes to the helicopter pilot

[@miriammacdermot5601]

Absolutely. It's always the responsibility of the pilot in command of an aircraft to see and avoid.

[@ValerieGriner]

Good point.

[@ascension6699]

The plane turns while the helicopter is going forward. How is the helicopter pilot gonna react to that with the speeds they’re flying.

[@kkobayashi1]

@@ascension6699 They knew the plane was going to turn because ATC had already told them the CRJ was on approach to runway 33.

[@timothynash2993]

@@ascension6699 because PAT25 was told to go behind, so if the plane turned left it actually made it easier for them to pass BEHIND.

[@donmoore7785]

Thanks Victor. It is being reported that the helicopters from the base are restricted to under 200' AGL in that area, and this was at 350'. So tragic.

[@athomas11000]

Well, this is what happens when the military is woke. I guess they won’t be waking up any time soon. Woke is killing people. People, it’s time to wake up.

[@Mr.frag-out]

Pilot errors

[@poconofriend777]

It's so easy to fluctuate 150 feet if you arent paying absolute attention. That or an altimeter error.

[@227110703]

@@poconofriend777 Not there. That 200 foot is a maximum. I stayed at 100 ft near the airport.

[@vanpangita]

There's something very dirty behind this

[@Dave_In_Boston]

My Army friends tell me they rarely make that trip above 100’; usually around 50’. This is to keep the city lights to a minimum so they can spot traffic easier.

[@Woofers617]

And this helicopter was up 200 feet?

[@omorin34]

@@Woofers617 Just before impact they were at 300'. They started at 200'

[@davedoe6445]

The civ heli map says max altitude of 200 ft. They were up almost at 400 ft

[@davedoe6445]

Why didn’t ATC warn the heli that he was too high?

[@vukken99]

Obviously they could have been off with night goggles...but clearly not following the rules...

[@blancolirio]

Excellent work Victor!

[@OfficeLinebacker]

Loved seeing your first video, it confirmed a lot. One thing you stressed was that the crew of the CRJ were given a runway change very late in the approach and were laser focused on hitting their marks. They could also hear ATC giving the helo visual separation.

[@rconger24]

Juan, why was the airliner _diverting to a different runway_ in the last minute? 1:25. Did the CRJ turn final into the helio?

[@dcf4psu]

Excellent, yet heartbreaking.

[@joedicello7001]

Looks like PAT25 might have seen the plane behind the CRJ-700 and because it was in the almost same line of sight, they did not see the CRJ closer. And being on a collision course as you know obejects don't move in your line of sight.

[@joebelden1363]

There’s no doubt when the first call for traffic in sight from Pax 25 that 5342 and 3130 were lined up both horizontally and vertically to his line of sight. When the confirmation the second time was requested from Pax25 by the tower, 5342 had jinked to the east and started a NW turn for 33, putting 3130 at 12 o’clock for pax25, he reconfirmed what he already knew was there, but didn’t realize a CRJ had peeled out and turned slightly perpendicular to him, significantly reducing the lighting he could see on it. Was probably looking right at the 3130 lights and that CRJ came right out in front of him as a surprise.

[@justj69]

Good Lord! Without the captions, I wouldn't be able to understand a single word.

[@christinechildress5021]

Me too! Omg I could never do that!

[@ayabokti161]

😂 It can get even more distorted than this. I worked equipment on the tarmac at an airport with that radio in my ear. It's like anything, you get used to utvand undrstand it 🛫 🛬

[@seahorse5689]

Same here!

[@ConradWilson-s6k]

Shouldn't there be more ENUNCIATION when the communication is this critical??

[@FrostbitexP]

@ConradWilson-s6k Well, you get used to it. So no this is fine. Many pilots know exactly what is being said. That being said, the audio we hear can be a bit or even a lot more distorted from what airplanes hear.

[@suem6004]

Thanks! This is best info! Some press is saying the plane crashed into the heli but seems the heli flew into the plane. RIP all.

[@chrissmith7669]

Looks almost head on to me

[@matthewmiller6068]

You all are great! As soon as I am thinking "shame we don't have the helicopter audio" you've got an updated video and found it! Appreciate the simple clean presentation of evidence without trying to throw in a bunch of additional commentary or blame-game.

[@Luvtahoe]

Yes, thank you for not spewing the nonsense that Trump is trying to feed everyone right now. Disgusting press conference.

[@therealuncleowen2588]

Yeah unlike the President who immediately blamed the ATC. Such an ahole.

[@Freeridetotheloonybin]

@therealuncleowen2588 so sick of delusional tds people

[@Freeridetotheloonybin]

@therealuncleowen2588 stop lying, delusional person

[@GirlsRuleTheWorld2023]

@@therealuncleowen2588They are to blame. They are 80% at least. So shut it.

[@jimsannerud6254]

PAT25 may have thought AA3130 was their traffic. RIP to all who were lost.

[@PilotDaveLI]

100%. After Victor's great work and seeing the big picture...they absolutely confused #2 for #1.

[@DR_1_1]

Yet the chopper is EXACTLY in line of the CRJ7. Look at the video again. I guess the lights of the next plane were much more powerful... Also the heli was way too high apparently.

[@captainchaos3667]

That would be bizarre though. JIA5342 had its landing lights on and was coming directly at them. They would have been _extremely_ hard to miss.

[@StevieWonder737]

@@captainchaos3667 Distance is harder to judge at night. He should never have been allowed to fly that flight path with circling landings going on at runway 33

[@Hinshu85]

Flying at night is an absolute nightmare. No matter what ppl say it's one of the most difficult things a human can do. Rest in peace to everyone in those aircrafts.

[@k333rl]

pat was alerted to traffic, confirmed traffic, requested separation which was approved, 45 seconds later it's asked again if they have the plane in sight, which is confirmed. and they again ask for separation. the airliner was on final. this is 100% the fault of the military. my guess is that they were looking at the wrong plane, or failed to maintain separation after the first call out.

[@SRSOS2]

Agreed. The corporate "news" media seems to think it's the fault of the airliner for some strange reason.

[@aaawac2174]

The crossing altitude is max 200ft the helicopter was at 350-400ft. The UH60 crew screwed up. My dad flew this route countless times as an Amry pilot and you cross 33 final at 200ft max and then climb over the Wilson bridge before descending again

[@amysupernaw80]

Agreed. This is so sad. And it’s crazy after the ask of separation you see the helicopter turn towards the aircraft.

[@fa3556]

​@@SRSOS2Im seeing certain "news" outlets insinuating that a vacancy in the FAA and some firings in the DOT are somehow to blame. Trying to spin it again that its somehow Trumps fault. You cant make it up.

[@cipher4213]

@@aaawac2174even still. If they were under 200 they still would’ve been directly under a crj on final with less than 200ft of separation. No matter what it’s an insane procedure

[@DamplyDoo]

"oh they just went" 😢

[@bobwilson758]

Wow ! That got me too …

[@RalphDePalma-wr3xq]

😢

[@tixie1895]

That was the pilot of the AA behind? How awful to have to watch that unfold and go back to being a pilot and keeping your passengers safe.

[@RifledRaven]

@@tixie1895The pilot of the plane behind the one behind them

[@ConradWilson-s6k]

"How many souls onboard?" is what shook me.

[@cremebrulee4759]

Hearing the voice of the helicopter pilot moments before the fatal crash is haunting.

[@SlyEphex]

Man losing two converging aircraft on radar is chilling.

[@LPnerd]

the fact another pilot on approach was the first to call it is super scary. Reagan has been too busy for years with no reason for military to be in the flight path of commercial planes. somebody totally screwed a big pooch.

[@CodyCha]

@@LPnerdbro the pentagon’s right there. They should be able to train in any type of scenario. How does ATC not see the potential accident. They know exactly where those two aircraft’s are headed

[@geometerfpv2804]

@@CodyCha It had nothing to do with ATC, the heli requested visual separation, meaning the heli believed it could dodge the plane just by looking out the window. That takes them out of the purview of ATC. Clearly that was a bad idea on the heli's part.

[@moi01887]

@@geometerfpv2804 Bad idea or... the heli pilot saw "an" aircraft and planned to avoid it... not realizing there was another aircraft much closer that was a conflict.

[@irvancrocs1753]

@@moi01887 Yeah seems likely, probably heli pilot thought AAL3130 was CRJ

[@B10023]

1:28 The ability for ATC to not even flinch and jump into redirecting all incoming aircraft is wild. A testament to their professionalism that they can keep going with calm, clear directions after witnessing this.

[@1w598]

Not exactly. Odd comment, nonetheless.

[@B10023]

@1w598 It’s their job, but it’s an experience that 99.99% of them will never have in their careers. Just saying, it would be a shock. I certainly couldn’t keep composure like that.

[@johnroscoe2406]

@@1w598 Are you retar.ded.

[@dclark142002]

I'm reminded of the recollection of one of the B-17 pilots arriving at Honolulu during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He recalls being professionally directed to his landing by ATC, including notices of enemy aircraft lining up to kill him...all while the base was actively under attack... Good ATC officers are a special breed.

[@Zestleysnipes2939]

How tf can you possibly give any kind of credence to anyone in ATC in that location. You are one evil sob. Wtf is wrong with you.

[@acarna6669]

I also feel bad for the AAL just behind also on final approach who had a front row seat watching it.

[@adrianhenle]

He sounded pretty shaken over the radio.

[@markmaki4460]

@@adrianhenle Yes. When i first heard simply "They just went" from AAL, the brevity struck me as almost flip, but i think now that might be all the fellow could manage on frequency after seeing such an event; i know my heart would probably be stuck firmly in my throat after seeing dozens of people die in front of me.

[@aawillma]

​​@@adrianhenleThat was 472 who I think watched it happen from his number 2 position on final. 3130 go around read back was cold as ice which makes me think he was the pilot monitoring and was looking at instruments at the time, which he should be on short final. We don't hear from the pilot flying on 3130 who likely had the absolute worst seat in the house since he was flying manually on a visual approach which means he was guaranteed to be staring at that exact spot in the sky when it happened 😔

[@rule1dontgosplat]

@@markmaki4460 Yeah how do you not say "Holy f..kin SH.T they just ate it! OMFG They EXPLODED right in front of me. Jesus Christ."

[@44NorthWyo]

I thought he sounded extremely calm on the radio after what had just happened right in front of him. Much respect and prayers for that crew.

[@segiaco]

Even if PAT25 was confusing JIA5342 for AAL3130, tower instructed them to pass behind the landing traffic. Traffic was inbound for 33, PAT25 should have immediately turned away from the final.

[@g.w.7893]

💯

[@pchris6662]

That’s what I thought too. What the heck was PAT25 doing?

[@stealzone6186]

Pat25 having seen the wrong plane,while the unseen plane was nearby, turns left behind the seen plane and directly into the unseen plane. That's possible.

[@tynao2029]

@@pchris6662 Fulfilling his mission

[@therealuncleowen2588]

​@@tynao2029You need therapy if you think this was a conspiracy.

[@bravoninetyseven]

I appreciate the calmness everyone has on air. Bravo.

[@V0latyleUSMC]

This is why it is so important to maintain visual separation, especially at low altittudes. TCAS RAs are inhibited below 1000 feet AGL, so while the CRJ crew may have received a traffic advisory, they wouldn't have received an RA. And TCAS only works if both aircraft have operating transponders.

[@TopShot501st]

Also why you shouldnt fly visual at night.

[@stdavis22]

Ya im pretty sure he was looking at a different plane and thought he had plenty of separation

[@StevieWonder737]

@@TopShot501st Not when crossing flight paths in very close proximity to a major airport with circling maneuvers in progress. But night complicated a situation that should never have been allowed.

[@TheWorldsprayer]

@@TopShot501st except that's what the military does and what they were technically training for. Further more helicopters often operate in shorter and more direct flight paths in airports because they can start/stop in place.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Oh God...no TCAS below 1000 feet??? Oh no!

[@44NorthWyo]

It’s amazing how calm the voices of AAL3130 was considering what they just saw.

[@crispy-qx5oi]

Can’t imagine how it sets in once the chocks and breaks are set like you have to think Jesus fuck that could have been me

[@youtubsux-z4f]

Its just pure shock and survival instinct making you keep working because other peoples lives are still in your hands

[@Red-uf4hr]

One rule of aviation is to always stay calm. The calm always prevail. You just don’t hear the sadness in his voice.

[@KasperKubica]

When I’m dealing with a hairy situation as a pilot and feel myself get nervous, I often make a point of being extremely relaxed in my radio calls. Hearing your own calm voice has a huge effect.

[@abcdefg3315]

He asked ATC to repeat their instructions, he was good at keeping his voice level but he clearly was freaked out. Poor guy, hope he and the co-pilot get the best therapy.

[@Rational_thinker_212]

If reporters and news channels were worth a #### they would have this for us in an hour or two of the mishap. Good job VASviation

[@tl5442]

The plane did not crash into the helicopter like the media keeps saying. The plane was coming in for a landing. The helicopter was flying in from the left right at the plane. The copter crashed into the plane. There was no two way collision. It's on the video.

[@asdTER8]

CRJ was at the appropriate minimum altitude for their approach (490ft), the chopper started at their max of 200, but just before the impact after the traffic alert climbs to co-altitude with the CRJ. That helo route is limited to 200, so what the hell were they doing

[@aawillma]

Trying to cross behind 3130 maybe? The approach to 33 is a dogleg turn over the river, 3130 was still somewhat westbound of the final approach. I'm guessing in trying to avoid 3130 they lost track of their altitude and slammed into 5342 who they never saw.

[@fmbbeachbum8163]

Looked intentional, hope it was'nt.

[@flyingmonkeydeathsquadronc968]

@@fmbbeachbum8163 it appears to be a mix of ATC complacency on a dangerous approach and pilot error from the helo pilot. Maybe the helo pilots was secretly self deletionist but more likely the pilots lost track of altitude while focusing on traffic around them and never saw 5342.

[@nostooge]

@@fmbbeachbum8163 Reported for spreading disinformation.

[@koc988]

​@@aawillmaBeing able to maintain altitude while maneuvering shouldn't be impossible. Why the apologia?

[@dishserv2]

Thanks for all your work on this!

[@mistletoe4961]

Bless these souls and the families and friends. ❤

[@StormChasingMA]

Definitely feel for the controller. They did a great job still to keep the current traffic in order despite what just happened.

[@nathanbarker3812]

THat is freaky to me he has to keep all those planed that are lined up, safe in the air. And they are truly lined up.

[@oops5015]

my daughter in law was behind the crash, coming into landing at Reagan from FLA. needless to, say, we have had a crappy morning, but for the grace of God

[@YamahaR1R7]

This is the best and most informative video yet. Others have edited out the second "visual separation" call, just before impact. Seeing this, I have no doubt that they identified the wrong aircraft. Terrible.

[@CricketsBay]

This is the audio from the dedicated helicopter frequency. The audio captured by scanners on the open all-aircraft frequency is incomplete, but probably not edited.

[@jadewickenheiser6776]

As someone who flew private pilot years ago something I still can't stand is how controllers rattle off info.

[@mitchellcrazyeye]

Thank you for your work on this so quickly. Can't find much more informative video about the crash itself.

[@SanoyNimbus]

I normally do not cry watching videos like this ... I am not a pilot, and do not listen to ATC so often (only when I am on a airshow) ... But I was not prepared for the alarm to rescue service ... I did my "military"-service in Sweden as an airport fire fighter and the tone in the voices clearly says this is not a drill. I pray for comfort for all the relatives! I pray for the lost ones. And for all rescue personell and traffic controllers working at this moment. Also for the pilots in the second aircraft that saw the crash!

[@SKYWATCHAVIATION]

Almost made me cry too

[@brucestambaugh]

Thank you for expressing your sincere compassion.

[@apapz3245]

Crash crash crizzash

[@SomeRandomGuy789]

Rip to those who didd

[@avenged06x]

😭​@@apapz3245

[@jaycarneygiants]

00:26 The tower advises PAT25 here (about 90 seconds before the crash) about the CRJ's location, altitude, and intention. I am not sure how PAT25 would mistake the outgoing flight for this one.

[@jca111]

Pretty sure its incoming 3130 they were confusing, not the outbound.

[@MerchantMarineGuy]

Helo pilots are the ones that flunked out of jet school

[@aeternusdoleo4531]

The helo flight was reported to be a training flight. So unclear how experienced that pilot would have been.

[@HongruiFeng]

0:29 we see flight 5342 already starting to make the circle towards rwy 33. If we draw a straight line from AA3130 and PSA5342 with their heading, what I speculate is that, the pilot of PAT25 will see the landing light of AA3130 straight to his right, while the accident filght needs to be identified by beacon lights.

[@douglascooper1987]

Training Flight Sadly.

[@eduacademy7878]

The controller keeping it professional and instructing a go around just after the crash. Good work. Also depending on the airspace, separating VFR and IFR traffic may not be the responsibility of the controller but the pilot. Admittedly, traffic information could include position at o'clock and miles

[@sublime929]

RIP to all involved. So sad.

[@MrMegaMario64]

Thanks for bringing this to us Victor... As tragic as it may be, we appreciate your efforts to bring footage to us.

[@shibarmyburnz1978]

The footage of a screen recoding of LiveATC? Same as used in previous video and publicly available? Just saving you a google search by bringing publicly available 'footage'. Doesn't t take much effort to screen record, paste over publicly available audio then post.

[@argentsword3626]

Everybody wanted that audio so bad, now I regret hearing it.

[@dalejr183]

My buddy is a pilot and worked for that company prior to SW and knew the pilots on the American jet. He said the Blackhawk had turned its transponder off aka TCAS which allows AC to communicate and avoid collisions. We’re both Vets so we been on the other side too.

[@UofARollTide]

As a chinook flight engineer I’ve flown many night flights. There is no reason at all that the Blackhawk shouldn’t have seen the plane. At the 1 min mark of this video the 2 aircraft are headed right at each other with the aircraft 500ft higher altitude. From that distance that’s basically like a car headed right at you from 50 yards away. That has to be your main concern. I would even be asking the tower about it if I didn’t think it was the aircraft I was told to watch. Also with night vision goggles it would definitely be easy to see. Heck you can see all the aircraft around the area and definitely notice the one closest. It’s way easier to spot aircraft with NVG at night than aircraft in the day with your eyes. Also it looks like the Blackhawk went up in speed before the collision. Based on my experience the speed was already too fast for a helicopter around a busy airport. Idk how to tell the speed on the radar but it looks fast compared to the planes and also the video. The amount of incompetence that would have to happen makes this look intentional. Even if this was a training flight like I’ve heard there was also a pilot that was not training and 2 crew chiefs that could’ve seen that plane. Every time we were around an airport everyone was looking for close aircraft. Period.

[@LMPM0909]

The speed is the number alternating with “helo” so 80-90 kts. The 3 digits on the left are altitude. I heard that it was the pilot’s evaluation so not exactly training a newbie. I agree this was weird. I did not hear ATC give traffic on the Blackhawk to the CRJ…maybe he did prior, but I didn’t hear it.

[@WileE577]

AAL3130 was a little farther away but directly in front of the Blackhawk. They were only told about the CRJ which was slightly to their left and above. They were only told about one plane so they could have thought 3130 was the CRJ

[@tysgem7]

I counted seconds of silence as the flights approached one another. Also, although the helicopter appears to have had options, did they not see the plane, turning in their pathway to land on the runway? The onus is on the helicopter crew although the atc could have been more assertive. He also mumbled that last command and I could barely hear him ?!?! Was he on the wrong frequency? Sheesh !! I’m so MAD 😠

[@LaggerSVK]

Lets wait for investigation before accusing someone of such a horrendous actions. 1. Human do errors and with this type of routing it was accident waiting for happen 2. Even theoretically. Hitting a moving target is super hard.

[@barefootjipsey1504]

This was either an accident, or the plane was the target, and the helicopter was the weapon. We need to know who was on the plane. And hopefully it wasn't anybody about to testify in important matters, etc. Plane was on predictable track, and assigned to a runway rarely used (per ABC news report tonight). Helicopter flew irregular path, then rose to meet altitude of plane AND changed direction to intercept in last few seconds of flight. Maximum allowed height for the helicopter was 200 feet, which is where it was up until 37 seconds before impact. Surging from 200 feet to 350 just seconds before impact is a deliberate maneuver and takes considerable power to climb. xpost

[@jdanon203]

I really wish the controller confirmed on the second separation request the position of the CRJ. Even something simple like visual separation with traffic off your 11 o'clock and 2 miles approved just to make sure everyone's referring to the same CRJ.

[@allenfields9058]

Exactly what I said after listening to the audio. Very surprised the ATC verbiage wasn't along the lines of, "PAT25, you have 2 birds on approach at your 11 o'clock -- confirm." Very puzzling.

[@Kali_Ma_]

Maybe the army feels some type of way when the air traffic controllers try to tell them what to do, so they don’t.

[@queenq5240]

The "how many souls on board" is heartbreaking. My heart, prayers, and condolences go out to the families; may their poor souls rest in peace. Also, to the men, women, aircraft controllers, thank you so much for what you do. Your job is not easy; may God bless you always . To the first responders, thank you as well.

[@freewill8218]

There is no f god.

[@MarselStg-p6v]

​@@freewill8218 If there is no God, don't ever challenge him.

[@freewill8218]

@MarselStg-p6v i don't

[@ValerieGriner]

@@freewill8218 Oh yes, there IS a God. We will all face Him one day. Do you REALLY think that THIS LIFE is all we have? If so, you must be very sad and hopeless at the inequity of it all. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

[@freewill8218]

@@ValerieGriner grow up.

[@fs2004AF]

Something I noticed is atc says “do you have traffic in sight?” My thoughts are, why not take the extra 5 seconds to read out “do you have the traffic in sight? 10 o clock 1 mile” …directs them toward what they need to look at. They could’ve been looking 2 o clock and 6 miles from the traffic on runway 1. Not saying it would’ve avoided the crash, but would’ve directed them immediately toward the direction in which they needed to be focused.

[@Woofers617]

I feel like air traffic should have language too for when you’re dangerously close to another flying vehicle. Like, Red alert! Idk. But I agree lack of additional communication seems to have been a key failure.

[@photudiodan4648]

90 seconds before the crash, ATC relayed all info to the chopper. The chopper then asked for and received visual confirmation permission.

[@raybod1775]

ATC is supposed to keep minimum separation between aircraft.

[@SDRaaz]

The atc has no reason to do so given the pilot confirmed acft in sight twice.

[@mrpielover615]

​@Woofers617 Normally controllers do. They'll say traffic alert, traffic 1 o clock, one mile, same altitude or whatever the relative position is.

[@KennethStrickland-t3m]

You guys are overcomplicating the F out of this. When PAT25 requested and received visual separation authorization, they assumed legal and all other responsibility for ensuring separation. It was them telling ATC - "you don't have to separate us, I will." This isn't a matter of "uhh, but the controller could have warned him a fourth time!" - it's cut and dried. Will wait for the investigation, but this speculation that's clearly wrong based on the evidence is driving me nuts.

[@Why_ask_]

I avoid Reagan National. The approaches are convoluted due to air space restrictions and of course there is traffic from other fields. Why the helicopter was on a flight path that intercepted approaches for both 1 and 33 is a question that should be answered. Also, just because something is done “all the time” does not make it a good idea or safe.

[@robd2184]

I’ve got to say , I’ve flown big jets into American cities a lot and all this VFR traffic around always made me nervous , hoping they’ve seen me when I’m locked on the ILS trying to slow down from some of the silly assigned speeds - not much capacity left for looking for all this stuff

[@denisek292]

I’m sure flying into Atlanta is a nightmare. Even before entering Fulton Co via internstate, the holding pattern of planes so close together is akin to organized chaos. You have my utmost respect.

[@CapitulationTrader]

@VASAviation Thank you. I’m an active ATP CA with 20,000+ hours. When timely, accurate information is needed, you are the reliable source. God bless all those affected

[@jsnsk101]

The only thing i could say might have helped was adding a distance such as "do you have the crj in sight, 1 mile"

[@jeffhaggarty9879]

That was my thinking. They seemed a bit light on the distance and usually it’s like 2 o’clock 1 mile or something. They were a little vague the second time with exactly where they wanted them to see this plane.

[@Angrybutcher]

or a general direction of the plane they are trying to watch

[@KrimsonStorm]

@@jeffhaggarty9879 Correct me if im wrong, but DCA is very busy with narrow flight corridors, right? it might need to be SOP that visual separation or traffic dense zones mandate the mention of distance when discussing traffic.

[@supergeek02468]

The other plane was a larger airbus and more or less directly behind the CRJ. It's likely even with that information the planes would look almost identical just by the nav lights against the night sky.

[@SusanGallen-v9d]

I don’t care how specific the ATF could have been. Obviously it’s dangerous to mix military and civilian flights. So the solution is no more. It’s either one or the other.

[@sarahalbers5555]

This brings back those awful Air Florida memories. Same time of year as well 😢😢❤😢

[@SusanGallen-v9d]

Yes I always remember that one during take off, especially when the weather is cold and snowy

[@Legend813a]

Except the icing, the missing checklist item, and the snowstorm, and the bridge, and the 5 survivors

[@tsmngt]

Thank you Victor for all you do.

[@curtiswilson233]

The controller is going to spend the rest of his life second-guessing this moment and wondering what he could have done differently to prevent this. It seems like it was not his fault but I can't imagine the pain and guilt he's going through.

[@thebigdr]

He needs some commander to tell him it was the helis fault, if so.

[@Calebflying2025]

It is way to early to speculate anything. This investigation will likely take months.

[@Mr.frag-out]

Sad pilot asked for visual go around but crashed directly into plane. Suspect

[@therealuncleowen2588]

​@@Mr.frag-outSuspect how? It was a screw up in the dark. Accidents happen, tragically sometimes.

[@Acreyman]

Tell the pilots which direction the traffic is in, like your 10 o'clock. That pilot might not be familiar with the name of the landmarks. He gave him south of the Woodrow Bridge.....well the pilot might not know exactly where the Woodrow Bridge is, but he dang well knows what direction 10 o'clock is

[@srstacy]

It's possible the helicopter pilot experienced the reversible perspective illussion where they thought they were approaching to pass behind, but were heading in front of it. That happened to me back in 1988, but the other pilot with me recognized it and helped me avoid the other aircraft.

[@raminasr2928]

Not so sure.. the helicopter speed is significantly slower than the aircraft, so its more the aircraft approaching the helo than the other way around. Also in this case - at night - you would see the landing light and the green light on the aircraft's right wingtip and red light on its left wingtip, and as an experienced pilot your brain would immediately parse which way the aircraft is headed. Unless the chopper pilot's night vision goggles mess up that perception. I think its more likely that somehow none of the three crew on the Blackhawk ever had eyes on AA-5342.

[@ive_5een_better]

Thank you VAS. You are the very best! 🫡🙏🏻

[@markg999]

Maybe they should have choppers wait till plane has passed before they cross an active landing area. Only thing I think that would have prevented this. Visual separation works also but people make mistakes and might be looking at wrong aircraft. Or atleast require that at night in a very tight airspace like DC.

[@tom201090]

Or go further round beyond the glideslope.

[@markg999]

@@tom201090 I think for that area they have to stay over river due to restricted air space. But yea maybe they could go further before crossing so they have more separation.

[@gulanhem9495]

@@markg999 How can the military have restricted airspace? He has a whole city he could fly around in, he doesn't have to cross the approach for airliners.

[@admmonidasf123]

he flinched. you could hear it in their voice

[@whynotzoidberg2971]

Thank you for sharing this. I heard a lot of people this morning say ATC didnt tell the helo where the CRJ was. But they clearly said they were lined up for rwy 33.

[@jhillestad]

When you ask for visual separation and it gets approved it would sure help if the guys looked out the frickin windows....

[@Just.an.expat.abroad]

Respect for the traffic controller. He stayed professional and kept directing aircrafts. I’d freak out and wouldn’t be able to function.

[@rl7012]

Yes but the traffic controller was only doing his job. They are trained for stuff like this. So yes the controller was good at redirecting traffic immediately after the crash, but that is what he has been trained to do. Anyone who can't do that would not pass the training for the controller job.

[@fingerhorn4]

Disagree, He had no idea of the URGENCY of the situation yet there it was on his screen.

[@rl7012]

@ Yes but if the military flew into the airport all the time, the controllers might have become accustomed to close calls with them. That could be why the controller didn't react sooner.

[@swastiksharma6242]

What?? It is right there in front of his screen displaying altitude and heading of both aircraft and helo and not even once did he give any kind of emergency directions to both for avoiding this. This was a terrible job and because of this 67 people are gone. Getting accustomed to Mil Helos flying there at night only relying on visual is not an excuse. HE DID NOT DO A GOOD JOB!!

[@rl7012]

@ You have a good point, I was just pointing out the possible mitigating circumstances.

[@mosaicmind4816]

Got to be pilot error on the part of the Blackhawk. Tower asked PAT 25 to pass behind the CRJ, PAT 25 responded with a visual separation request which I presume means the Blackhawk pilot will take responsibility for seeing and avoiding the CRJ. Obviously, he didn't.

[@kayte13]

Maybe the plane was descending lower

[@admmonidasf123]

absolutely agree. Pilot was obviously DEI hired and no merit based.

[@melsafken764]

​@@admmonidasf123 Oh stop.

[@ballpark3166]

​@@kayte13By the radar returns and having been on that route multiple times, there no room to be high, low, left or right. They looked spot on.

[@ctbt1832]

@@admmonidasf123 why would you consider this to be DEI? You have a poor description of what DEI mean. It does not mean they cut corners for the person. Don’t be so easily brainwashed. And for the record, the people who benefit most from DEI are white men and white women.

[@benw5470]

Fully checked out salary for this facility $135,000. This controller was very busy. He was doing an excellent job as far as I can tell. Is that worth the amount of stress they are put through on a daily basis?

[@benw5470]

And there are talks of taking away retirement benefits and pay. ATC needs more resources not less.

[@danstiurca7963]

Wtf is that helicopter doing there?! Letting him cross that approach is like telling a kid to look both ways before running across a highway.

[@threewillowsfarm7779]

Im just an old lady somewhere in the US. But it looked to me, after having watched many times, like the helo ran into the plane. Without so much as breaking. Which gives one cause to think.

[@nostooge]

Reported for spreading disinformation.

[@HamRadio95]

So sad to see this happen, but I appreciate you for all you do in getting this out

[@Ironsundown]

I’m surprised the controller, upon receiving the conflict alert, didn’t indicate a traffic alert to PAT25 and give a direction and altitude of the Bluestreak. Also I wonder if PAT25 might have mistaken AAL3130 for the traffic as they were lined up down the Potomac until it was too late.

[@sleepysera]

There were only seconds between that and the crash. At that point it was already far too late to still do anything.

[@anonymousrhinoceros996]

Yeah, hindsight is 20/20, but I wonder if ATC telling the PAT25 about the alert would have alerted the helo pilot to the fact he was looking at the wrong plane.

[@buildintotrains]

immediate left 360 for the helo should have been the call.

[@Ironsundown]

@ I agree but even the tone of the controller didn’t indicate the severity of the situation. “Hey, do you have still have the CRJ” is a hell of a lot different than “TRAFFIC ALERT 12 o’clock, quarter mile, same altitude”

[@AMT4245]

@@sleepyserait was more than seconds. That collision alert started well before the tower asked PAT25 to call the traffic.

[@fredfred2363]

Visual separation should never ever be allowed AT NIGHT. It's so easy to make mistakes especially over city lights. Not allowed in Europe for very good reason...

[@DelfinoDelphis]

What do you mean it's not allowed in Europe? It's typical in class D and E where no separation is provided.

[@London755]

​@@DelfinoDelphisWashington national is incredibly crowded airspace, and a complicated runway/landing procedure with the river approach.

[@tinekejoldersma]

@@DelfinoDelphis They do share the same complex airspace at day although the airports are separated. The military has its own airports and does not use civilians. The bigger airports are closed at night due to the dense population.

[@douglascooper1987]

🎯🎯👍

[@lolpaladins]

The FAA also handles 67% more flights than the ENTIRETY of Europe. There are a lot of rules that we use because they work. You can't prevent a pilot who wants to kill other people. Do you think a lack of visual separation at night would have kept the passengers on board Germanwings Flight 9525 alive?

[@LadyKestrel23]

Well done on this video. I know we all appreciate your information ❤.

[@tatyananikulina9656]

The voice clearly said to helicopter pilots to go behind airplane, yield, and do not shortcut in front of it.

[@SKYWATCHAVIATION]

I don’t even know what to say this is so incredibly sad something you never wish to see or have to hear or any of that my heart and prayers and condolences goes to those families and friends who lost a loved one in that accident this is a sad day in our country’s history and an accident that will remain remembered forever so sad wow almost made me cry and I’m not someone that’s very emotional

[@janwitts2688]

A lot of men and women died there.. a lot of husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, children and others, lost part of their lives, with their passing.. heartbreaking

[@fecardona]

Twr says “do you have the CRJ in sight” and PAT25 replies “we have the aircraft in sight”. At night it’s a tough confirmation to see if an A/C is a CRJ, considering they’re all mostly lights on approach. Also, the video capture is a front landing-lights facing camera vs the visual angle of the chopper.

[@mvgamer9637]

That's what I was thinking. He may have had the wrong aircraft in sight

[@douglascooper1987]

Helo saw a Red, Green, and maybe one Flashing White, would be Easy to Lose the Plane with all the other lights around.

[@lolpaladins]

@@douglascooper1987 The first time the pilot is warned about the CRJ 0:25 was 1 minute before the collision. The CRJ was 900 feet above the helicopter and couldn't possibly have been "lost in the sea of lights" because the 2 aircraft were both above the horizon. Also both planes were at 2-3 oclock. If the pilot turned his head to the right the FIRST aircraft he would have been able to see would have been the closer one. The further one would have been even FURTHER to the right (and also above). The helo pilot then turned his plane due south... and further turned his plane 15 seconds before (gradual right hand turn) to perfectly intercept. I'm 100% going to guarantee this is suicide by pilot.

[@kevins6114]

could the controller have said he is getting a collision alert vs a casual check in?

[@ecclestonsangel]

VASAviation, thanks for the info. I've been up all night with this. This crash happened 43 years nearly to the day when Air Florida crashed back in '82. i saw that one happen. It was awful. My heart goes out to these poor girls. It's really creepy but mostly so very tragic. Perhaps it's time we put TCAS in helicopters, too?

[@trainzack]

TCAS is inhibited below 1000ft, otherwise taxiing aircraft on the ground would trigger it.

[@2taxedout]

The other issue with TCAS on a military helo is they will often fly in formations. That TCAS alarm would always be going off. And as pointed out, they were below 1000 ft. Even if they had one, it wouldn't have gone off.

[@57Jimmy]

The fact that the Aviation gods even allow cross traffic, helicopters or any aircraft, on an approach or departure end within 5 miles is absurd. Did they go to the same university of stupidity as those involved in the South Korea disaster?😢

[@ds78613]

@@2taxedout perhaps military TCAS could be made configurable for information on aircraft expected to be "too close" when flying formations? Even better would be TCAS for the formation interacting with TCAS for a single plane being able to fully de-conflict things so that the members of the formation don't wind up flying into each other in case of an RA.

[@sarahalbers5555]

I agree That Air Florida memory is burned into my brain. I was a runner, and every time I ran over that bridge, I would have serious anxiety

[@nomagic-t1l]

Helo pilot confident and relaxed he saw the plane from a distance that should have alarmed him. I agree with many folks, he was looking at the plane farther out on final.

[@dashriprock4308]

Bingo.

[@lolpaladins]

Or he had the aircraft in sight that he intended. The 20 degree right turn about 15 seconds before the collision to perfectly intercept sealed their fate.. China Eastern Airlines Flight 5735 Germanwings Flight 9525 Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 LAM Mozambique Airlines Flight 470 EgyptAir Flight 990

[@grahammutter8655]

​@@lolpaladins What the fuck is wrong with you?

[@gothic7821]

​​@@lolpaladinswho was on board that leads you to believe this was intentional? It was a bunch of junior U.S. figure skaters. 😢 poor kids

[@lolpaladins]

@@gothic7821 I believe it was suicide by pilot.

[@terryrose4804]

Apparently the flight has skaters that just performed in Wichita KS. I heard it was a great show. RIP skaters. 😥

[@NICU_Guy]

The news had to find somebody on the plane that was in the public interest. People care less about normal people on an airliner that crashes. The news will have their background, their ranking, and a video clip of them performing. Everyone else on the plane is irrelevant to the news.

[@telebubba5527]

@@NICU_Guy It was a whole team of people. Also Russians, even though they do apparently live in the US. So they are reporting about it also.

[@sarahalbers5555]

Not just the skaters, tho

[@denisek292]

@@NICU_Guy Your comment is cruel with zero empathy. I sure as hell wouldn’t want you caring for my grandchild in a NICU.

[@yawningpheonix]

"Everyone, stay put." "We're ready for taxi..." "No you're not. Stay put."

[@Bit_the_Bullitt]

Yeah, hard to not cast judgement, but that seemed like a desperate attempt to take off before the inevitable shutdown.

[@bn4290]

@@Bit_the_Bullitt while sitting at the departure gate performing pre-flight duties, normally we are not listening to ground control frequencies. Once we are ready to taxi, we switch to the proper frequency and ask for clearance to taxi.. I suspect the pilot asking to taxi was not yet aware of the event.

[@Bit_the_Bullitt]

@@bn4290 Ah I see, thanks for clarifying, good information! I may have assumed too early!

[@oldguydoesstuff120]

@@Bit_the_Bullitt My guess would be that they simply weren't paying that close attention to radio traffic while they were getting ready to taxi. Lots of checklists to run and communications between the two pilots. So if the radio were on during that time, it's not a priority for them.

[@MachoMateoMuchacho]

Since the planes make a left just before lining up with the runway, the planes landing lights would probably no longer be bright and highly visible to the helicopter once making the turn. As low as they were, the planes landing lights from the side probably blended in with the lights of the cityscape. The helicopter probably no longer had a visual on the first plane and was calling out that they had traffic in sight, most likely referring to the second plane in line which was still facing them head on, whos landing lights were bright to them.

[@markanderson7833]

@MachoMateoMuchacho, they also anti-collision lights. It is very possible, the helo pilot was looking at the wrong airplane.

[@AniDex]

I couldn't figure out how the helicopter couldn't see the lights of the plane; but this makes a lot of sense! Thank you!

[@MachoMateoMuchacho]

@@markanderson7833 It sounds as if the ant collision doesnt work under 1000 ft

[@Mrrobi02468]

doesn't matter, they were told pass BEHIND

[@markanderson7833]

@ Anti collision lights, on the aircraft itself, are always on until they shutdown.

[@RZP_Zenaucsns]

I found out about this via a friend before news outlets even picked up on it. I had very little details besides the location, agencies involved, time of incident, and both the aircraft information. I was able to listen to DCA communications via the PIO when this initially started from the moment the first boat was launched. Just looking at the pathway of both aircraft, the actual footage and the communications just adds another sense of sadness and realization into your reality. May they all Rest in Peace as the families have my deepest condolences.

[@YortOK]

Those Black Hawks have been in other accidents too. Two of them collided over the Australian outback about 20 years ago. On a clear night with no other traffic around for hundreds of kilometres. Strange.

[@alparkranger]

I'm no expert, but it seems that the logical procedure would be that whenever a helicopter is coming up to a known approach to an airport that they should have to stop and hover (which only a helicopter can do), look up, down, left, right, look at your radar, then continue. Basically, there should have been a "stop sign" for the Blackhawk at this intersection.

[@coopzcustomz693]

Not a terrible suggestion whatsoever, almost like a traffic like eh? Haha On a side note, they do have specific safety protocols to follow that they blatantly ignored. Maximum flight altitude of military helicopters on this specific route is 200ft. The crash occurred at over 300ft. This is kind of why they don't do the stop and hover, a road is only so wide, but an airspace offers endless lanes of traffic.

[@WendellScott-n6g]

Maybe, but that could be dangerous to. Like a stopped car in the acceleration lane of a busy highway intersection… I’m guessing though, I don’t know about aviation protocols.

[@alparkranger]

@ It's why you don't need stop signs on the highway, traffic is separated.

[@weedsville6318]

With the DC crash with the Blackhawk helicopter last night at 8:30 PM Eastern standard time along with the landing of an F-18 in St. Louis and now an F 35 I think the military especially the airborne divisions need to establish a form or a new form of Cohesion with domestic FAA regulations. It seems like there’s a lot of problems in communication and radio traffic in regards to military and domestic flights and that’s something that needs to be reassessed and maybe even changed to make it safer into about better communication between military and domestic flights.

[@silverbackag9790]

Those F18s are built in St Louis. Then they fly them out over rural MO and rattle our houses in "fly over country" with sonic booms on their check flights. I suspect that's why that one was there. Must have used too much afterburner torturing the deplorables.

[@darrellcriswell9919]

Military aircraft have very different equipment and procedures for multiple reasons, they just cannot have cohesion with civilian aviation.

[@Fisher60]

This is a horrible tragedy that never should have happened. During my own flight training, it was very common for Coast Guard helicopters to be making low-passes in close proximity to the airport, often with minimal communication. We always felt it was incredibly unsafe, but operations continued. I would not be surprised if there were weekly close-calls due to this hazardous condition. Hopefully an incident like this will help promote future change to reduce the risks involved in these flight operations, or even somehow find a way to eliminate the hazard altogether.

[@JOSHL50]

Heart goes out to all involved. Thank you for sharing this.

[@anonySuff]

Such a tragic and unfortunate incident, but the professionalism of everyone to remain calm, keep their poise, and stay focused in the face of tragedy is truly commendable.

[@johnharris3335]

This helicopter should never have been anywhere near a final descent runway that makes no sense

[@sarahalbers5555]

Especially since Anderson AFB is right around the corner.

[@coopzcustomz693]

It's actually a normal and routine training path. There are MANY safety protocols put in place because of the high traffic. For example, military helicopters are supposed to stay under 200ft as no civilian craft will be this altitude. This crash occurred at 300ft+.

[@justinmoody7384]

@@sarahalbers5555 Anderson? Do you mean Andersen AFB in Guam? That'd be a long way away for a Black Hawk.

[@sneakerset]

@@justinmoody7384 I'm sure sarah meant to say "Andrews".

[@maxb4074]

He said he had "aircraft in sight." So he must have been looking at the wrong aircraft. Many planes up there.

[@Bridlington007]

Pres Trump confirmed this in the press conference

[@kathrynslye471]

So incredibly heartbreaking 💔

[@jasontechlord]

All the "news" outlets have the exact same resources as this channel. However it sounds like they are trying to spin it as a fault of ATC staffing. Thank you so much for putting the raw audio out there.

[@RoadWarrior-lo9vt]

That Blackhawk pilot flew right into the side of that jet! How the hell do you NOT see a jet with ALL its lights on that is directly in front of you on a crystal clear night?

[@TheLincolnshireFlyer]

Appreciate the video. Sad time. Thoughts with everyone.

[@Cessna165]

At 00:29 when the controller informs PAT25 of the CRJ traffic he says "Traffic .... .... setting up for runway 33." I wonder if that made the heli pilot think the traffic was AAL1630.

[@johnglowacki5515]

Thanks Victor.

[@nancychace8619]

Thanks for a good report. Very sorry. Condolences to all family and friends. RIP.

[@sarahalbers5555]

I live about 15 miles from DCA and flew out of there, also. Last nite I heard serious sirens and saw lights everywhere I thought it was a bad accident on the Beltway

[@Marciaz]

So sad for the remaining families

[@juliemanarin4127]

😢❤

[@thealiciabruce]

Help this make sense to me: If the helo confirmed vis of the plane (but in reality was looking at the wrong one, as in 3130 heading for runway 1), ATC still had told them to pass behind the incoming CRJ and told them the plane was landing at runway. 33. It seems that the helo would have a) had vis of the wrong plane, and b) also not known the approach path of runway 33, because he continues on and completely crosses the path that 3130 WOULD have taken if going to runway 33. Right? Seems like a very preventable tragedy.

[@lolpaladins]

You can't prevent a pilot that wants to kill himself. China Eastern Airlines Flight 5735 Germanwings Flight 9525 Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 LAM Mozambique Airlines Flight 470 EgyptAir Flight 990 The UH60 pilot DID however, know exactly what to say to ATC in order for ATC not to move the other airplane away from him.

[@bigfatbruce]

@@lolpaladins Or, you know, it was just human error and he thought the AAL3130 was the CRJ.

[@Mr.frag-out]

Not to mention, the helo climbed in elevation to meet the planes decent when they should have stayed at 200 ft

[@lolpaladins]

@ If he thought the AAL3130 was the CRJ, then why did he turn towards the airport, which would have cut in front of the AAL flight instead of waiting until he passed the AAL3130 to cross the river. The turn to the right 15 seconds before the collision is what doomed both craft.

[@bigfatbruce]

@@lolpaladins Not sure what you're seeing. He was staying to the left (from the black hawk pilot view) of the 3130

[@darkraiking680]

So if I understand correctly, helicopter requested and obtained visual flight rules and separation, but just didn’t observe it? I wonder if they weren’t looking at the right plane

[@Thefroggang101]

I believe they were observing the AA flight that was departing to their left, meanwhile the CRJ was approaching from the right

[@LadyLithias]

some speculate they were looking at the plane taking off from runway 01, and not seeing the airplane on final approach to 33. (KTA leadership)

[@rinkusan978]

But ATC told the chopper the plane's altitude and his destination (33)

[@hotsoup1001]

​@@rinkusan978Sometimes we hear what we're expecting to hear.

[@qwerty112311]

@@rinkusan978what they were told doesn’t mean that’s what they understood or followed. Traffic in sight because you see traffic in sight in the general area you expect it, confirmation bias, don’t even look for other traffic. A tale as old as time.

[@AkSonya1010]

If you through the round about video in there, it adds another level of shock.

[@patrickcarpenter6258]

Finally a chanel that shares all the info and doesn't block out arbitrary info. Some other channels trying to be polite not showing the accident are actually just more rude. You're literally trying to profit here off of an accident. Not here though. Thank you.