Flight tracking data from the moments before the fatal midair collision on Wednesday night sheds light on the events leading up to the tragedy. The data indicates that the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision was flying above the maximum allowed altitude and deviating from the prescribed route along the east side of the Potomac River.
Two minutes before the collision, the military helicopter was recorded at 200 feet as it crossed over East Potomac Park, exceeding the maximum allowed altitude along its designated route known as Route 1. Subsequently, the helicopter climbed to 300 feet over the Potomac River, placing it closer to the airport and higher than permitted. Shortly before the crash, the helicopter rapidly descended back to 200 feet.
