The Black Hawk helicopter that collided with a passenger plane in Washington was on a training flight in preparation for a secret mission to evacuate senior government officials in the event of an attack on the United States, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing its sources.
According to their information, the crew was practicing movement along a route vital to the “government continuity“ program, which ensures that the government can continue to function in crisis situations.
“These flights are part of a plan to deal with a nuclear threat, a cyberattack or terrorist attacks like those that occurred on September 11“, explained a Pentagon spokesman. As the publication notes, on normal days such helicopters are used to transport VIPs, creating tension in the city's airspace.
The program involves the rapid evacuation of executives to safe areas. But every day, Black Hawks from the 12th Airlift Battalion, based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, perform routine missions: transporting generals, government officials and members of Congress.
After the incident, the battalion's activities were suspended. Congressmen are demanding a review of the safety of VIP transport flights, which combine military and civilian functions.
The investigation, led by the National Transportation Safety Board, is focusing on coordination between agencies and the reasons for the crew training failure.