Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim will embark on a groundbreaking state visit to Russia, marking the first such visit by a Malaysian monarch since diplomatic ties were established in 1967.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating a tragic mid-air collision that occurred on January 29, 2025, between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger plane near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The accident resulted in the death of 67 people, marking the first major plane crash in the United States since 49 people were killed near Buffalo, New York, in 2009.
Three Sikorsky Black Hawk Lima helicopters belonging to the same battalion were part of the investigation. Tests conducted as part of the investigation revealed that the helicopter involved in the collision was flying above its authorized altitude limit. Moreover, the helicopter's altitude displays were found to be inaccurate, with a discrepancy of 80-130 feet between the radar altimeter and the barometric altimeter on the aircraft. This discrepancy is a key focus of the investigation, as it may have contributed to the accident.
During the NTSB's public hearings, it was noted that the helicopter pilots faced challenges due to the use of night vision goggles, which limited their peripheral vision and made it difficult to see the passenger plane’s colored lights. The helicopter was on a training flight and was flying near a secondary runway not commonly used by other aircraft, adding to the difficulty in spotting the passenger plane.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy expressed concern about the altimeter discrepancy on the helicopter, stating that a 100-foot difference in this case could be significant. She also criticized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for failing to address known safety concerns about helicopter operations near passenger flights in the area. FAA air traffic control specialist Clark Allen confirmed sufficient supervisory staff was present in the control tower that night.
However, no evidence has emerged linking diversity hiring policies to the accident, as claimed by President Donald Trump. The investigation remains ongoing with a final report expected next year. Meanwhile, the Army plans to inform aviators about the altitude discrepancy issue around mid-September.
The investigation involves rigorous questioning of experts, regulators, and air traffic controllers to uncover the causes of the tragic accident and to prevent similar incidents in the future. Investigator Marie Moler is involved in the investigation. The NTSB is committed to ensuring the safety of all air travel in the United States.
- The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is delving into the accurate altitude readings of the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the mid-air collision.
- News outlets are reporting on the challenges faced by the helicopter pilots, including the use of night vision goggles and flying near a secondary runway.
- Tech experts are being questioned as part of the investigation regarding the discrepancy between the radar altimeter and barometric altimeter on the helicopter.
- The NTSB is investigating various aspects of the accident, including politics and policymaking, particularly the FAA's handling of safety concerns in the area.
