Aviation experts are still trying to understand how the crash occurred as information continues to surface. Minutes before the collision, the American Eagle flight was cleared for its approach, while controllers instructed the Black Hawk helicopter to watch out for the incoming jet. Radio recordings revealed that air traffic controllers had instructed the Black Hawk. The helicopter pilots acknowledged the instruction, but seconds later, the two aircraft collided at near right angles.
Pete Muntean, CNN's aviation correspondent and private pilot, told the broadcaster: "This is just so staggering that there is a midair collision involving a commercial airliner." Munteen pointed out that commercial airliners are equipped with the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), designed to alert pilots to nearby aircraft. This system, developed to prevent collisions, is extremely reliable, he said.
