Aviation Law Group’s investigation into the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 finds new clues to explain why the Army UH60 Black Hawk helicopter might have inadvertently entered the path of the airliner.
Aviation Law Group, PS (“ALG”) attorneys’ aviation experience flying commercial aircraft into Reagan National Airport (KDCA) is enhancing its own investigation into the potential reasons the Army Helicopter operating under the call-sign PAT25 (Priority Air Transport) training flight was directly in a position to impact the American Airlines flight 5342 operated by PSA Airlines as it was less than 400 feet above the ground and less than one mile from touching down on Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport.
The formal NTSB investigation into the accident has thus far focused on many different possible factors, including air traffic control communications, air traffic control staffing, US Army helicopter procedures, the possible use of night vision googles by the Black Hawk crew, human factors affecting the crews of both aircraft, Helicopter Route Charts and even the potential effects of hiring practices may have contributed to such a tragic accident.
ALG’s investigation has focused more directly on what factors are at play that could explain why the US Army helicopter was at an altitude and a flight path that would place it in direct conflict with a commercial airliner on final approach and cleared to land.
The airspace around Reagan National Airport is the most congested and restricted airspace in the United States, if not the World. Class B Airspace surrounds Reagan National Airport, and it is the most restrictive type of airspace that allows visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft such as the flight of PAT25. Additionally, there are many restricted and prohibited areas in and around Washington D.C., and there is a heavy military presence with associated Helicopter Routes that both military and civilian helicopters must adhere to while flying through the Class B airspace.
Immediately prior to the accident, PAT25 was operating north to south along Helicopter Route 1, which follows the eastern edge of the Potomac River. As helicopters fly south, Route 1 changes to Route 4 just north of the approach end of runway 33 at KDCA, and Route 4 continues further south for several miles. The transition occurs where the north/south Route 1 crosses the east/west Route 6.
Along each helicopter route, maximum altitudes are prescribed at which the helicopter must fly below. The maximum altitude is 200 feet north of the approach end of runway 33 at KDCA on Route 1. As Route 1 transitions to Route 4, the maximum permissible altitude remains 200 feet.
According to NTSB, PAT25 impacted American Airlines 5342 at an altitude of roughly 325 feet. The NTSB attributed the impact altitude to the accuracy of the Flight Data Recorder on Flight 5342 yet also indicated that it had obtained conflicting, less reliable information that PAT25 was indicating that it was flying at 200 feet. Additionally, the impact occurred above the center of the Potomac River and not on the eastern side of the river where Route 4 is located.
These facts raise several serious questions for investigators:
1. Why was PAT25 not flying below 200 feet?
2. Why would PAT25 report an erroneous altitude of 200 feet?
3. Why was PAT25 flying in the middle of the Potomac River and not within the lateral limits of the helicopter route on the eastern edge of the Potomac River?
While Aviation Law Group will monitor and investigate more facts related to AA5342, we welcome families who lost a loved one to contact us to discuss the accident or if they have any questions. We offer to assist families with understanding the investigative process and explaining available legal rights and options for free.