The Blackhawk helicopter that crashed into a commercial airliner last month over Washington D.C. sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and across the globe.
Many have wondered how such a deadly and seemingly avoidable incident could even occur, and according to ABC 7 News, new information about the lead-up to the fatal event has been revealed.
As authorities continue to investigate the bizarre and nightmarish accident that resulted in over 60 deaths, it was revealed over the weekend that the crew of the Blackhawk helicopter may have experienced inaccurate altitude readings in the moments before the crash.
Additionally, the Blackhawk crew reportedly might not have heard instructions from Air Traffic Control prior to the crash.
Speaking with reporters, National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy revealed that "the recording from the Black Hawk helicopter cockpit suggested an incomplete radio transmission may have left the crew without understanding how it should shift position" before the crash.
She noted that the crew was likely unable to hear the instruction "pass behind the" because the helicopter's microphone key was pressed.
"That transmission was interrupted -- it was stepped on," Homendy told reporters.
The outlet noted:
Homendy said the helicopter was on a "check" flight that night where the pilot was undergoing an annual test and a test on using night vision goggles. Investigators believe the crew was wearing night vision goggles throughout the flight.
Eager reporters questioned her about the length of time it could take to uncover the reason for the crash. She said it could be up to a year.
"We're only a couple weeks out," from the crash, Homendy said. "We have a lot of work to do."
New information was also revealed regarding the helicopter crew's alleged confusion prior to the crash.
The outlet added:
Cockpit conversations a few minutes before the crash indicated conflicting altitude data, Homendy said, with the helicopter's pilot calling out that they were then at 300 feet, but the instructor pilot saying it was 400 feet, Homendy said.
She added, "At this time we don't know why there was a discrepancy between the two."
It'll be interesting to see what the investigation uncovers, and how such situations will be avoided in the future.
