In a tragic midair collision over Washington, DC, preliminary findings suggest the pilots of an American Airlines jet tried to pull the plane’s nose up just seconds before the crash. The incident involved a Black Hawk helicopter and left 67 people dead, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in the US since 2001.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), data from the plane’s voice recorder shows a slight increase in pitch moments before impact. This could indicate the pilots spotted the helicopter and attempted to avoid the collision. “That tells us they didn’t see the helicopter until the last second,” said a former aviation official.

The helicopter, which was on a training mission to evacuate government officials, may have been flying above its allowed altitude. Initial data shows the passenger jet was flying around 325 feet, while the helicopter was reportedly at 200 feet—a discrepancy that’s now under scrutiny. Helicopters in the area are restricted to 200 feet, and investigators are working to determine why altitude limits were potentially exceeded.

The helicopter’s black box has been recovered, and investigators are analyzing its data. Meanwhile, crew recovery efforts continue in the Potomac River, where the wreckage remains. So far, 42 bodies have been recovered, with 38 identified.

The crash has sparked broader concerns about air traffic control and safety in the busy DC airspace. Reports indicate this isn’t the first close call near Reagan National Airport. “We have to get to the bottom of this and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” said a Virginia senator.

As the NTSB continues its investigation, officials are expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days. A final report, which will determine the probable cause, could take much longer.

This heartbreaking incident underscores the need for better coordination and safety measures in one of the busiest aviation zones in the world.