“278 feet.” That number marks the tragic radio altitude of a Black Hawk helicopter at the moment of a devastating collision. The crash occurred near Reagan National Airport on January 29 2025. It involved an American Eagle flight and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk. All 64 people aboard the passenger jet and all three Army crew members died.
The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the crash. Their findings revealed a series of unfortunate events. The Black Hawk crew may have missed critical air traffic control messages. These messages instructed the helicopter to fly behind the commercial jet.
The helicopter crew may also have received inaccurate altitude data. The NTSB found conflicting information in the data. The radio altitude was 278 feet at impact. However, this may not have been what the Black Hawk crew saw on their altimeters.
One pilot indicated an altitude of 300 feet. The instructor pilot indicated 400 feet. There was no discussion of the discrepancy.
The Black Hawk was flying a combined annual and night vision goggle qualification check ride. The crew was likely wearing night vision goggles. There was no evidence of a discussion about removing them.
About two minutes before the collision air traffic control communicated with the Black Hawk. The controller mentioned a jet circling to its designated runway. Data suggested the Black Hawk crew may not have received this information.
Twenty seconds before the crash the tower asked if the Black Hawk had the jet in sight. A collision alert sounded in the background. Three seconds later the tower directed the Black Hawk to pass behind the jet. The Black Hawk crew may not have received the words “pass behind.” The Black Hawk was keying the mic to communicate with air traffic control.
The helicopter instructor pilot believed air traffic control wanted them to move left. They thought they should head toward the east bank of the Potomac.
Investigators are examining the wreckage. They are focusing on the altimeters and air data systems. The systems were badly damaged. They are working to determine what altitude the pilots saw.
The NTSB is also examining radio communications. They are trying to understand why the crew may have missed critical instructions. The investigation continues to determine the exact sequence of events. It seeks to understand the factors contributing to this tragedy. The altitude of 278 feet represents a critical data point. It highlights the complexities and challenges of aviation safety. This number serves as a somber reminder of the lives lost. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts to improve air safety.