In a recent report by The New York Times, new details have now reportedly emerged regarding a tragic mid-air collision that occurred in January, which resulted in the deaths of all 67 individuals aboard both the military Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger jet. Investigators revealed that Capt.
Rebecca Lobach, the pilot of the Black Hawk, failed to turn left when advised by her co-pilot, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves.
As the Black Hawk approached the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., Eaves informed Lobach that air traffic control wanted them to turn left to avoid American Airlines Flight 5342, which was preparing to land at Reagan National Airport.
Turning left would have increased the distance between the helicopter and the incoming jet, which was flying at approximately 300 feet. However, Lobach did not execute the turn.
The investigation noted that there were no immediate health issues affecting Lobach at the time of the incident, as indicated by autopsies and performance reviews.
Other contributing factors to the collision included complications with altitude and radio communications.
The air traffic controller had previously asked if the Black Hawk crew had seen the passenger plane, to which they acknowledged seeing “traffic” and requested visual separation for maneuvering.
However, cockpit voice recordings suggested that the controller’s instruction for the Black Hawk to “pass behind” the jet may not have been heard due to a microphone cut-off.
Shortly thereafter, Eaves sought confirmation for visual separation, which the controller approved.
Tragically, with just 15 seconds remaining before the collision, Eaves reiterated his belief that they could turn, but Lobach did not respond accordingly. The reasons behind her decision remain unclear as the investigation continues.
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