Altitude Error Fallout: FAA Faces Scrutiny in Deadly Helicopter Crash

In a shocking revelation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that faulty altitude data in U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters might have played a pivotal role in the deadly collision with an American Airlines flight over Washington, D.C., on January 29. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of 67 lives, marking it as the deadliest U.S. air disaster in over two decades.

The NTSB's ongoing investigation focuses on several aspects, including flaws in the helicopter's air data systems and discrepancies between the displayed and actual altitudes. FAA's oversight of Washington airspace also faces harsh criticism, raising questions about potential near-miss incidents that went unaddressed.

Senator Maria Cantwell criticized the FAA's failure to act on recommendations to reroute helicopter traffic and establish airborne 'hot spots' that could mitigate risks. Despite the NTSB raising alarms about these discrepancies, military officials downplayed the significance, prompting further inquiry into the Army's response and testing efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)