Federal investigators are analyzing conflicting altitude readings from the plane involved in the recent mid-air collision over Washington, D.C., as they work to determine the cause of the fatal crash. Preliminary flight data suggests discrepancies in altitude reporting between the civilian aircraft and the military helicopter it collided with, raising concerns about potential technical or communication failures.
According to aviation officials, the inconsistent altitude readings could have contributed to the collision, as both aircraft may not have been aware of their precise positions in relation to one another. Investigators are reviewing air traffic control communications, onboard instrument data, and radar tracking records to establish a clearer timeline of events leading up to the crash.
The collision, which resulted in multiple fatalities, has intensified scrutiny over airspace management in restricted zones, where both civilian and military aircraft operate under strict regulations. Authorities are also examining whether equipment malfunctions, pilot error, or air traffic control miscommunication played a role in the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, federal aviation regulators are considering potential safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. Officials stress that a full report will take time, as multiple agencies work to piece together the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash.
The findings from this investigation are expected to have significant implications for air traffic safety protocols, particularly in high-security areas where precise altitude coordination is crucial to avoiding dangerous encounters between aircraft.