Experts Blame Air Traffic Controller for Washington Crash

New details have emerged about the aviation accident in Washington—an error by the air traffic controller might have led to the collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter, reports NewsBox.

An air traffic controller's mistake could have caused the collision between a Bombardier CRJ700 passenger aircraft and a UH-60 Blackhawk military helicopter in the skies over Washington. Preliminary information suggests that before the maneuver, the helicopter crew requested "visual separation" to avoid a collision.

The controller confirmed with the military whether they had visual contact with the plane and received an affirmative response. However, at that time, the UH-60 Blackhawk was at the same altitude, and the airliner was descending. The helicopter crew did not receive a clear signal on the necessity to change course without altering their altitude. As a result, the aircraft struck the helicopter with its fuselage, leading to the accident.

Experts are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy.