US president accuses Black Hawk helicopter of flying too high before DC crash

US President Donald Trump made a significant claim, stating that the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in a collision with a regional passenger jet in Washington, DC, was flying at an altitude higher than the allowed limit at the time of the crash.

The crash, which remains under investigation, occurred near the busy Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, a location with strict airspace regulations, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that the helicopter was "far above the 200-foot limit," a reference to the maximum altitude prescribed for military helicopters flying over the Potomac River on the designated Route 4. The safety cap on altitude for helicopters flying this route is set at 200 feet (61 meters) to avoid potential conflicts with aircraft using the nearby airport.

“The Black Hawk helicopter was flying too high, too high. It was well above the limit of 200 feet (about 61 meters - Ed.). It's not that hard to figure out, is it," Trump wrote.

The comment came in response to ongoing federal transportation investigations into the crash, which is being reviewed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and other relevant authorities.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had also acknowledged that there appeared to be an elevation issue with the helicopter during a January 28 statement. He confirmed that Army investigators were on the ground in Washington to probe further into the cause of the crash. Despite this, both Hegseth and Army officials emphasized that the three-member crew on board the Black Hawk were highly experienced. The crew included an instructor pilot with 1,000 flying hours, a second pilot with 500 hours, and a crew chief, who is typically stationed at the rear of the helicopter.

The Black Hawk helicopter involved in the crash was from the 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. This unit is tasked with managing helicopter flights in the US capital area, including the transport of senior government officials.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further details are expected as federal authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the crash.

By Vafa Guliyeva