American Eagle - helicopter collision

[Trogdor]

Somewhat surprised there isn’t already a thread on this here.

Was shocked to wake up to that news this morning. As one who doesn’t watch TV (seriously, at all), I didn’t see the news last night. Went to bed around 9 or 9:30 pm.

Didn’t hear anything even though I have a view of the edge of DCA from my apartment and live less than 1.5 miles from where the plane went down.

 

[jis]

Just saw the first NTSB briefing. Not much that is specific info. Mostly information about procedures etc.

 

[Metra Electric Rider]

I was surprised too....

One another board I follow, which shall remain nameless, there was some interesting, if unconfirmed, information about the choppers origin....

 

[CHamilton]

For those of you who are interested, JH wants everyone to know that he's okay. He was not on the plane.

 

[PVD]

Thank you, I was sort of afraid to ask.

 

[Cal]

I was very shocked too, since the US hasn't seen an air disaster like this in over a decade. Seeing the photos of the wreckage for the first time was truly a horrible sight.

 

[Asher]

Tragic event. That airport is right next to a restricted zone, the particular runway the aircraft was landing on is really short and the GPS approach has two turns equaling 53° just a short distance from the runway. What the Helicopter was crossing at that low of an altitude is mystifying.