Preliminary data from the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft, investigators said Saturday.
Data from the flight recorder for the commercial American Airlines jet shows the craft's altitude was at 325 feet, plus or minus 25 feet, when the crash took place, according the to National Transportation Safety Board.
Data recovered from the American Airlines plane and Army helicopter crash in DC revealed a key discrepancy in their altitude readings that may offer an explanation for the tragedy that left 67 dead.