US Edition
Night Vision Goggles May Have Hampered Army Helicopter Pilots Before Crash with Jet, Experts Tell NTSB
WASHINGTON, D.C., AUG 2 – Experts testified that night vision goggles reduced helicopter pilots' ability to see passenger jet lights, contributing to the fatal midair collision that killed 67 people, NTSB said.
- On Friday, experts told the National Transportation Safety Board in Washington, D.C. that U.S. Army helicopter pilots would have had difficulty spotting the American Airlines passenger jet while wearing night vision goggles.
- Highlighting visibility issues, experts noted that the Army night vision goggles made it difficult to see ground lights, limited peripheral vision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and hindered distinguishing the jet from ground lights.
- Analysis of altimeter readings showed the flight data recorder revealed the Black Hawk helicopter flew 80 feet to 100 feet higher than its barometric altimeter indicated, exceeding the 200-feet elevation limit.
- During Friday’s hearing, NTSB members criticized FAA officials for 'significant frustration' and testified that an air traffic controller should have warned the passenger jet of the helicopter’s presence.
- A final report won’t come until next year, as experts highlight ongoing safety concerns amid a string of crashes this year that have alarmed the traveling public.
24 Articles
24 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)Night vision goggles may have hindered helicopter pilots before DC collision: experts
Friday saw the final day of public testimony to the National Transportation Safety Board over the fatal midair crash – which occurred almost exactly six months ago in February
Night Goggles May Have Contributed to Potomac Crash
The pilots of a US Army helicopter that collided with a passenger jet over Washington in January would've had difficulty spotting the plane while wearing night vision goggles, experts told the National Transportation Safety Board on Friday. The Army goggles would've made it difficult to see the plane's colored lights,...
Experts note challenges in Jan. midair collision
The pilots of a U.S. Army helicopter that collided with a passenger jet over Washington in January would've had difficulty spotting the plane while wearing night vision goggles, experts told the National Transportation Safety Board on Friday.
The Press of Atlantic City
Roanoke TimesExperts note challenges in Jan. mid-air collision
The pilots of a U.S. Army helicopter that collided with a passenger jet over Washington in January would've had difficulty spotting the plane while wearing night vision goggles, experts told the National Transportation Safety Board on Friday.
Night vision goggles may have hindered helicopter pilots before jet collision, experts say
The pilots of a U.S. Army helicopter that collided with a passenger jet over Washington in January would’ve had difficulty spotting the plane while wearing night vision goggles, experts told the National Transportation Safety Board on Friday.
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