akaggie05 said:
The CRJ700 was lined up for runway 33 which is not used as often (shorter). Wondering if the helo thought it was staying clear of the normal inbound traffic and missed that the jet was cleared for the other runway.
That's wasn't clear, but it is why I said "maybe too mulish" about its mission. Presuming a right of way. But really don't think that's the case--- looks like an air traffic control error.FireAg said:P.U.T.U said:
Is that implying the helo is CIA?
Aggie95 said:
ATC is terrifying. Near misses are increasing
There is always confusion early on in passenger jet crashes. It is not something nefarious or attempting to hide something.Stat Monitor Repairman said:
There looks to be some sort of coordinated misdirection regarding the type of helo. Never seen anything like this.
Harry Stone said:
From the video it looks like that helicopter targeted the plane. Hope Im wrong. I hate this.
MPD’s helicopter is NOT involved in this incident and is currently assisting in the multi-agency response.
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) January 30, 2025
Why? Crossing its path carelessly would produce exactly that result, and if the pilot was following a flight plan rigidly in the night, that's all you need.Silvertaps said:Harry Stone said:
From the video it looks like that helicopter targeted the plane. Hope Im wrong. I hate this.
I didn't want to say this…but seems the odds of this happening on accident are close to unlikely.
I wouldn't say "close to unlikely" because I think the chance of an air traffic mishap is just as likely as something targeted.Silvertaps said:Harry Stone said:
From the video it looks like that helicopter targeted the plane. Hope Im wrong. I hate this.
I didn't want to say this…but seems the odds of this happening on accident are close to unlikely.
Dan Scott said:
I imagine it's be very difficult for a helicopter to purposefully T-bone an airplane. Timing would have to be perfect.
Or any other disaster. Death counts, what happened, etc will likely be changing over the first 24-48 hours. No reason to misdirect because the actual helicopter involved will be confirmed soon enough plus they would have to throw it together in a matter of a few minutes.Rapier108 said:There is always confusion early on in passenger jet crashes. It is not something nefarious or attempting to hide something.Stat Monitor Repairman said:
There looks to be some sort of coordinated misdirection regarding the type of helo. Never seen anything like this.
Pretty much everyone now reporting it was a Blackhawk.
Blackhawk? WOW! Can't believe that.Rapier108 said:There is always confusion early on in passenger jet crashes. It is not something nefarious or attempting to hide something.Stat Monitor Repairman said:
There looks to be some sort of coordinated misdirection regarding the type of helo. Never seen anything like this.
Pretty much everyone now reporting it was a Blackhawk.
Will stand down only after review of the manifest for both aircraft.Quote:
It is not something nefarious or attempting to hide something.
HowdyTAMU said:
TCAS should have been screaming at both pilots telling them how to maneuver and avoid. I fear the worst as the helo should have been able to take evasive measures.
Let's pray that proves incorrect. There is still a miraculous survivor scenario possible, yet to be found.EX TEXASEX said:
EMS chatter saying no survivors found at this time !!! they are starting to release EMS crews.
Yeah that's my thought process as well...sure the video makes it look targeted but if they were on the same cross path and ATC dropped the ball neither aircraft likely could adjust until it was too late. Plus it's at night.bthotugigem05 said:
I would argue it's easier to do it accidentally than on purpose at those speeds.
Reagan is a highly controlled airspace. I'm not aware of helo's being that close to any aircraft runway. To be at the exact altitude at the exact moment as a landing aircraft in an area that typically doesn't see helo traffic…and with the current aircraft technology to avoid these types of collisions. Just seems very unlikely it would be an accident.titan said:Why? Crossing its path carelessly would produce exactly that result, and if the pilot was following a flight plan rigidly in the night, that's all you need.Silvertaps said:Harry Stone said:
From the video it looks like that helicopter targeted the plane. Hope Im wrong. I hate this.
I didn't want to say this…but seems the odds of this happening on accident are close to unlikely.
Agree on all points except that the video makes it look `targeted' -- only if you think the chopper is T-boning the jet.It seems far more likely the jet is slamming into the copter crossing its path without warning and unseen like a bus getting smashed by an onrushing train.Prosperdick said:Yeah that's my thought process as well...sure the video makes it look targeted but if they were on the same cross path and ATC dropped the ball neither aircraft likely could adjust until it was too late. Plus it's at night.bthotugigem05 said:
I would argue it's easier to do it accidentally than on purpose at those speeds.
Never attribute to malice what can be attributed to incompetence.
EX TEXASEX said:
BREAKING NEWS 4 SURVIVORS PULLED FROM WATER PER POLITICO
