Officials: Army Helicopter Exceeded Altitude Limits In DC Crash

Officials have released new information regarding the Jan. 29 collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342, which resulted in 67 fatalities—making it the deadliest U.S. air disaster since 2001.

Key Findings from the Investigation

In a Feb. 1 briefing, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials confirmed that the Black Hawk was flying 300–350 feet above the ground—more than 100 feet higher than its authorized altitude. The helicopter was following a pre-approved route (Route 4), which restricts flights to no more than 200 feet above ground level.

Air traffic control at Reagan National had alerted the helicopter crew twice—at 8:46 p.m. and 8:47 p.m., moments before the collision. Investigators have yet to determine why the helicopter exceeded its altitude limit, making it a central focus of the ongoing investigation.

Seconds Before Impact

Data suggests the American Airlines flight made a sudden upward pitch just before impact, possibly indicating that the pilots were aware of the impending danger.

“I can tell you at one point, very close to the impact, there was a slight increase in pitch,” said NTSB board member Todd Inman during the briefing.

The Black Hawk’s Mission

According to Army aviation officials, the Black Hawk was conducting a training mission to prepare for the evacuation of government officials in case of a national emergency. These missions help pilots navigate complex airspace and ensure the safe travel of senior leaders.

Recovery Efforts

As of Jan. 31, 41 victims have been recovered, with 28 positively identified. D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly stated that remaining bodies may not be recovered until the plane is lifted from the Potomac River.