The Army Black Hawk helicopter had an advanced surveillance system that was not on at the time of the D.C. air collision.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas reported that the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines flight near Reagan National Airport on January 29 had disabled its Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). The system is designed to improve airspace safety by providing real-time location data.
“This was a training mission, so there was no compelling national security reason for ADS-B to be turned off,” Senator Cruz said after a briefing from the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration. He also added that while the Black Hawk’s transponder was still active, ADS-B offers greater accuracy.
Investigators are also reviewing data showing the helicopter may have been flying above its 200-foot altitude limit. Recovery crews have retrieved all components of both aircraft from the Potomac River. The crash killed the 64 people on the airliner and 3 military personnel on the military helicopter.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the NTSB and FAA officials as they continue to gather information and review the tragic collision.
- For wisdom for members of Congress as they provide oversight of the federal agencies conducting the investigation.
Sources: USA Today, MSN,
