Former military pilot identified three errors that could have been avoided in the plane crash in Washington

The fatal accident of a plane from American Airlines and the military helicopter Black Hawk of the United States Army, near the National Airport Reagan in Washington, DCcaused a great impact throughout the country. The incident, which involved a series of human and operational errors, has generated concern about security protocols in one of the most congested areas nationwide.

The helicopter, which had to fly at an altitude of 61 meters, was at a height of between 107 and 122 meters at the time of the incident, which placed it in the trajectory of the commercial plane in descent.

According to Elizabeth McCormickformer helicopter pilot Black Hawkand Cedric Leightonmilitary analyst of CNN And colonel removed from the Air Force, the incident can be attributed to a combination of factors that include errors in mission planning, failures in communication with air traffic control and questionable operational decisions.

In an interview with CNNone of the key factors indicated by McCormick It was the composition of the helicopter crew. As explained, the Black Hawk It had a minimum team of three people, which is standard for this type of aircraft. However, in a airspace as congested as Washington’s, she considers that a fourth member should have been assigned to the crew.

This quarter member would have allowed a better surface of the surroundings, since the pilots only have direct visibility towards the front, covering an angle of 180 degrees. The crew at the back are responsible for monitoring the sides and the back of the helicopter, but with only a crew chief in the rear, the surveillance capacity is significantly reduced.

McCormick emphasized that this operational decision was a critical error. “In my opinion, when it flies in visual mode in such a busy airspace, there should be a minimum of four people on the crew,” he said.

Another determining factor was the altitude to which the helicopter flew. He Black Hawk It should be kept at 61 meters, a height specifically established for helicopter routes in that area. However, at the time of the incident, the aircraft was between 107 and 122 meters, which placed it in the trajectory of the commercial plane that descended. This altitude error, attributed to the pilots, was pointed out as a human failure that aggravated the situation.

McCormick also stressed that visual conditions in the area may have contributed to the disorientation of the pilots. The combination of lights reflected in the nearby river and the possible use of night vision glasses could have hindered the perception of the altitude and the exact position of the helicopter.

The third critical element identified was a failure in communication between the helicopter and air traffic control. According to the analysis of McCormickthe controllers asked the pilots of the Black Hawk If they were in sight of the commercial plane, known as “CRG.” However, in the visual field of the pilots there were two aircraft, and the pilots apparently identified the wrong one.

The expert suggested that controllers should have been more specific when indicating the position of the plane in question, using references such as “the aircraft at 5 o’clock.” This type of indication would have allowed pilots to correctly identify the commercial plane and maneuver to avoid the conflict.

He Black Hawkknown for its maneuverability, would have been able to perform an evasive movement quickly if the situation had been clearly identified. “The helicopter can move in an instant and avoid this type of incidents,” McCormick explained, stressing that a more precise communication could have prevented the event.

For its part, Cedric Leighton He coincided with McCormick’s analysis and highlighted the importance of rigorous planning in military helicopter missions, especially in areas with an air traffic as dense as Washington’s. According to the analyst, teams should consider not only weather conditions and air traffic restrictions, but also factors such as topographic characteristics and any recent change in the environment, such as new constructions.

Leighton said that, although it cannot be confirmed that these factors have directly influenced the incident, the lack of adequate planning may have serious consequences. “If planning is not done meticulously, significant incidents can occur,” he warned.