‘Complex’ Series of ‘Failures’ Led to Fatal DC Army Helicopter-Passenger Jet Collision: NYT

A series of “missteps” and “failures… far more complex than previously known” led to the fatal collision between a US military helicopter and an American Airlines flight near Washington, D.C. in late January, according to a new investigation from The New York Times (Lean Left bias).

The Details: The helicopter had received approval for “visual separation” from air traffic control, meaning it would independently navigate around other aircraft as opposed to relying on information from the controller. Army pilot Capt. Rebecca Lobach reportedly missed an order from co-pilot Andrew Eaves to change course to avoid the incoming American Airlines jet. The two also reportedly missed a cue from control that the jet was “circling” as they had pressed the talkback button to talk to control while it was informing them.

Equipment: The New York Times highlighted “equipment problems” having to do with night vision goggles, radio communications, and tracking technology. It said the combination of city lights and night vision goggles could have contributed to the crash. It also reported that tracking technology on the helicopter was turned off, which is Army protocol, but “some experts” believe this “deprived everyone involved of another safeguard.”

For Context: The collision killed all 67 people onboard the two crafts and was the worst domestic crash in the United States in nearly a quarter-century. In January, the father of one of the American Airlines pilots said flying over the Potomac with night vision goggles could have contributed to the collision.

How The Media Covered It: The Times framed the investigation against “the backdrop of systemic deficiencies in U.S. aviation,” citing a shortage of air traffic controllers. It also reported that some former military pilots said the air traffic controller “was going above and beyond his obligations.” The New York Post (Lean Right) highlighted the parts of the report that show the collision was the result of mistakes by the pilot.

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