Deadly D.C. Crash Probe: Emotional Footage of AA Flight 5342 & Military Copter Collision Revealed; Families Storm Out [VIDEO]

This is quite something.

The National Transportation Safety Board has presented findings from its investigation into last year’s Flight 5342 clash.

Said American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter near Washington last January, crashing into the Potomac River. And just two days before the first anniversary, they have released a stunning simulation.

The NTSB is also keen on sharing recommendations that would go a long way in averting future disasters.

“There will be some times where individual errors may be noted throughout the course of the day in relation to this accident,” board member Michael Graham said. “To make it crystal clear, any individual shortcomings were set up for failure by the systems around them.

“We are not here today to place blame on any individual or any organization, but we are here to ensure those systems that failed to protect 67 people on January 29, 2025 never fail again,” Graham added.

Radar evidence previously directed blame, while two airport employees were arrested.

Some Families Could Not Stay To Watch Simulation Of Flight 5342 Crash

The wreckage of the American Airlines passenger jet (Photo via Getty Images)
According to reports, several family members walked out of a boardroom during a presentation by lead investigator Brice Banning.

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The presentation included animations created by the team, which were pretty graphic.

It shows how quickly the aircraft came toward each other out of the darkness.

Investigators believe this may have been caused by an equipment fault, as there were several incorrect height readings on the chopper’s altimeters.

You can see it in the clip right below:

The NTSB is expected to publish a final report and recommendations in the coming weeks.

It’s also believed that the pilots did not recognize the potential traffic due to the lack of charts provided by the Federal Aviation Administration around the busy airport.