Air Traffic Control Audio Captures Moment of Deadly Helicopter Crash
Air traffic controller audio obtained by CNN from LiveATC.net reveals the moments leading up to the deadly helicopter crash that occurred on January 15. The audio captures the air traffic control operators asking the helicopter if they have the commercial flight operated by PSA Airlines in sight.
At 9:06 am, an air traffic controller asked, “PAT 2-5 do you have the CRJ in sight?” The controller then instructed the helicopter to “pass behind the CRJ.” Just seconds later, the helicopter pilot responded, “PAT 2-5 has aircraft in sight, request visual separation.”
Less than 13 seconds later, the audio captured audible gasps, including a loud “oooh” in the background, as the moment of the crash unfolded. The tower then alerted another pilot of what had taken place, instructing them to return to the gate and coordinate with the company.
The audio also revealed that another pilot had witnessed the incident and confirmed with an air traffic controller. “Yeah, we were on short final, and we saw flares from the opposite side of the Potomac,” the pilot said.
An approach controller later confirmed that both aircraft involved in the incident were in the river, and a search and rescue operation was underway. As a result of the incident, flights at DCA were halted, and a number of other aircraft made plans to divert to other airports.
