Chair Homendy stated the crew of the black hawk helicopter may not have had accurate altitude data and may have missed air traffic control messages.
National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy announced the on-scene investigation of the site where an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred nearly a month ago has concluded. The remainder of the investigation will take place off-site.
Chair Homendy said that the helicopter crew is believed to have been wearing night vision goggles throughout their flight.
“Had they been removed, the crew was required to have a discussion about going unaided,” Chair Homendy said. “There is no evidence on the cockpit voice recorder, or CVR, of such a discussion.”
She said that data from the helicopter indicates they may have missed air traffic control messages. “We hear the word ‘circling’ in ATC [air traffic control] communications, but we do not hear the word ‘circling’ on the CVR of the Black Hawk. The [NTSB] Recorders Group is evaluating this right now.”
The Black Hawk also exceeded the maximum ceiling for the craft at its location and there may have been a discrepancy in altitude data the crew had.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Chair Homendy and NTSB officials as they continue the investigation into the collision.
- For Transportation Secretary Duffy as he seeks collaboration on improving air safety and management systems.
Sources: Defense News, PBS, Military.com
