Washington plane crash: There were not enough dispatchers, and the helicopter flew above the designated altitude - NYT

The New York Times reported, citing an initial report from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), that there was a shortage of air traffic controllers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when an American Airlines plane and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided in Washington on January 29.

Causes of the accident:

Dispatcher shortage – the number of dispatchers at the airport did not match the time of day and traffic volume.

One dispatcher performed two tasks - the dispatcher who controlled the movement of helicopters in the airport area also gave instructions to the planes for takeoff and landing. Normally, these tasks should be divided between two dispatchers.

The helicopter flew above the designated altitude – the Black Hawk helicopter climbed to a height of 91 meters, when it was not supposed to exceed 61 meters.

The helicopter pilot saw the plane but did not follow the route - the Black Hawk crew reported to the dispatcher that they saw the American Airlines plane, but violated the assigned route.

Consequences of the accident:

Everyone died – 67 people: 60 passengers and crew of the CRJ700, as well as 3 members of the helicopter.

The search continues – more than 50 bodies have been found in the Potomac River.

The black boxes have been found - the plane's data recorders have been sent for examination.

Experts are continuing to investigate the exact causes of the incident.