The **collision between an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter** has become one of the **deadliest air disasters in recent U.S. history**. Tragically, all **64 passengers** on the jet and the **three military personnel** aboard the helicopter are presumed dead.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, the **National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)** has recovered the **black box and flight data recorder** from the **DC aircraft crash**. These crucial devices contain **altitude readings** that may help determine the cause of the accident.
Altitude Data and Possible Causes of the Crash
Preliminary data shows that **American Airlines Flight 5342** was flying at an altitude of **approximately 325 feet**, with a **25-foot margin of error**. Meanwhile, **control tower records indicate** that the **Black Hawk helicopter** was operating at **about 200 feet**.
Investigators are currently trying to **explain the nearly 100-foot difference** in altitude readings. If the collision occurred at the altitude recorded for the jet, it would suggest the helicopter was flying **well above the safe operating limits** for its designated airspace.
At the moment, the investigation is focusing on **retrieving data** from the helicopter’s black box, which was **submerged in the icy waters** of the **Potomac River**, causing it to become waterlogged.
Key Statements from Investigators
Brice Banning, the NTSB investigator in charge, addressed the media regarding the **ongoing investigation**:
“This is a **complex investigation**. There are a lot of pieces here. **Our team is working hard to gather this data**.”
Banning also revealed that the **black box from the jet** captured the **crew reacting verbally** to the impending impact. He noted:
“As the plane started to increase its pitch, **sounds of impact were audible about one second later, followed by the end of the recording**.”
President Trump Weighs In
Former President **Donald Trump** also commented on the collision, stating that the helicopter was **“too high”** and **“far above its 200-foot limit”**. He added:
“That’s not really too complicated to understand, is it???”
Looking Ahead
The **NTSB and aviation experts** are working tirelessly to **reconcile the altitude discrepancies** and piece together the events leading up to the **fatal crash**. Investigators remain hopeful that the **data from the recovered flight recorders** will provide **clear answers** about this **devastating tragedy**.
