NTSB determines Army helicopter exceeded altitude limit in fatal midair collision.

During the initial day of National Transportation Safety Board hearings in Washington, investigators delved into the tragic midair collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter that resulted in 67 fatalities. Determining that the helicopter had been flying at an improper altitude with inaccurate readings, the hearings sought to uncover the root causes of the accident. Through animations, audio, and video replays of the collision, as well as interviews with witnesses and experts, the board raised questions about the contributions of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army to the deadliest aircraft accident since November 2001. While it may be premature to pinpoint the exact cause at this stage, concerns were raised about discrepancies in altimeter readings on the helicopters involved. These findings have prompted discussions on updating safety measures, including the proposal of new legislation by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz to enhance aircraft monitoring technology and address airspace complexities around congested areas like Washington D.C. The hearings aim to provide a comprehensive review of the circumstances leading to the collision, shedding light on systemic issues that demand attention to ensure aviation safety.