A catastrophic midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a military helicopter over Washington DC claimed 67 lives last Wednesday.

According to Daily Mail, preliminary data from black boxes recovered from both aircraft showed conflicting altitude readings that could explain why the tragic crash occurred, with the passenger jet recording 325 feet while control tower data indicated the helicopter was at 200 feet.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators are working to reconcile the significant 100-foot difference in readings, which suggests the crash may have happened well above the maximum allowed altitude of 200 feet for helicopters in that area.

The investigation team is still attempting to retrieve data from the helicopter's waterlogged black box after it plunged into the Potomac River.

New developments point to critical altitude violations

Recovery teams have managed to extract crucial flight data from the American Airlines jet's two black boxes, capturing both cockpit audio and flight metrics from the final moments.

The recordings revealed the crew's verbal reaction and the plane's sudden pitch increase just one second before impact.

Investigators acknowledge internal disagreement about releasing preliminary altitude information before having complete data from both aircraft. NTSB member Todd Inman displayed visible frustration during questioning at a Saturday evening press conference about the readings.

NTSB investigator Brice Banning provided this stark description of the jet's final recorded moments:

The crew had a verbal reaction... the airplane beginning to increase its pitch. Sounds of impact were audible about one second later, followed by the end of the recording.

Massive recovery effort continues in Potomac River

More than 300 responders are working simultaneously on the recovery operation, with support from two Navy barges to lift heavy wreckage.

First responders have identified 55 of the 67 victims in what marks America's deadliest aviation disaster since 2001.

Teams are scheduled to undertake a major lifting operation on Monday to remove aircraft debris from the river. The wreckage will then be transported via flatbed trucks to a hangar for detailed examination.

One unidentified firefighter described the emotional toll of the recovery work, noting the clear river water allowed them to witness "horrible things" with their flashlights upon arrival at the scene.

Federal agencies launch comprehensive investigation

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy raised several critical questions about the crash on Sunday morning news programs, including staffing levels at the control tower and specific details about the helicopter's position and equipment.

The Federal Aviation Administration has begun examining staffing at the control tower, addressing what Duffy called a "major problem for years." He emphasized the Trump administration's commitment to placing "bright, smart, brilliant people in towers controlling airspace."

Investigators expect to release a preliminary report within 30 days, though complete investigations typically require a year or more. The NTSB's Inman shared that he has spent hours meeting with victims' families, who are desperately seeking answers.

Looking ahead to critical investigation milestones

The tragic midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington DC resulted in 67 fatalities when the aircraft crashed into the Potomac River Wednesday night.

As investigators work to retrieve the helicopter's waterlogged black box data and analyze the 100-foot altitude discrepancy, they will focus on understanding why the collision occurred well above the helicopter's maximum permitted altitude of 200 feet.

The NTSB aims to provide initial findings within 30 days while continuing the painstaking process of wreckage recovery and victim identification.