Plane in DC crash tried to pull up just before impact, investigators say
SUMMARY
Federal investigators revealed new details about the deadly crash between a commercial plane and a U.S. Army helicopter near Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the plane appeared to attempt a pull-up one second before impact, as indicated by data from the plane's flight data recorder. The crash occurred when the aircraft was flying at approximately 325 feet, while the helicopter, which was using radar data showing it at 200 feet, collided with it. The discrepancy in altitude data remains under investigation. The NTSB also confirmed that the Army helicopter's flight data recorder was recovered, but investigators are addressing water damage to the device. While the helicopter’s night vision goggles were approved for use, it’s not yet clear if the pilots wore them, which could have limited their visibility. The NTSB is working to determine what caused the discrepancy and what led to the tragic collision.
