The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in a deadly collision with an American Airlines plane on January 29 had its advanced tracking system disabled, Senator Ted Cruz revealed. The crash, which killed 67 people, has prompted federal investigations into whether the helicopter flew above its allowed altitude before the accident.
During a briefing with federal investigators, Sen. Cruz shared that the helicopter turned off its Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system before the crash. The ADS-B system is used in U.S. air traffic control to track aircraft, providing information about location, altitude, and speed. Although the helicopter’s transponder was still active, ADS-B offers more precise tracking.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating whether the Black Hawk violated its flight ceiling of 200 feet. Early data suggests it was flying at 300 feet at the time of the collision. Investigators are awaiting access to the wreckage to verify this information. Salvage crews began recovering the helicopter from the Potomac River on Thursday, a crucial step in determining its altitude and flight details before impact.
Following the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduced flight arrivals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to help manage recovery efforts. This measure is expected to cause minor delays for travelers.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has vowed to review air traffic control staffing and address safety concerns in Washington’s congested airspace. He noted that the FAA is 3,000 controllers short and pledged to increase recruitment and training. Duffy also suggested military flights in restricted airspace should be scheduled during less busy times to reduce risks.
The NTSB has already gathered flight data, maintenance records, and witness accounts to piece together the events leading to the crash. They are analyzing black box recordings, control tower data, and information from the recovered American Airlines plane. The investigation will also examine the helicopter’s wreckage for additional clues.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, but the full investigation may take up to two years to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The collision has also raised concerns about midair collisions around Reagan National Airport. Since 1987, 30 such incidents have occurred in the area, with military aircraft being involved in a significant number. Experts say that while the incidents are concerning, they do not necessarily signal a broader air safety crisis.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on determining whether the helicopter violated airspace regulations, why its ADS-B system was disabled, and how similar accidents can be avoided in the future.