Unraveling the Mystery: How Did a Plane Crash Happen in Washington DC’s Most Controlled Airspace?

The last time a commercial plane crash resulted in fatalities in the US was back in February 2009. Since then, such incidents have been uncommon, thanks to strict safety rules for flights.

Recent footage shared by CBS News shows two aircraft involved in a recent accident. Radar data from air traffic control made the planes visible to controllers, which is crucial for maintaining safety in the skies.

Audio recordings indicate that the helicopter was in communication with air traffic control at the airport. Controllers asked the helicopter if it could see the nearby passenger plane and directed it to pass behind it. Shortly after, it became clear that there had been a collision, prompting air traffic control to reroute other planes to different airports.

Experts explain that a mid-air collision like this typically requires several failures. For the military helicopter to fly in civilian airspace, it should have been equipped with a transponder. This device alerts nearby aircraft of its location, ensuring that both aircraft could detect each other. In addition, air traffic control manages instructions that help keep aircraft apart, and other safety systems operate independently to enhance protection.

According to expert Mr. Butterworth-Hayes, both systems should have kept the aircraft separated. Unfortunately, those safeguards failed in this instance.

The Black Hawk helicopter involved was operated by B Company of the 12th Aviation Battalion and was conducting a training exercise after departing from Fort Belvoir, a military base in Virginia.