Night Vision Goggles May Have Hampered Helicopter Pilots

Aviation experts told the National Transportation Safety Board that night vision goggles may have created viewing difficulties for the pilots of a U.S. Army helicopter that collided with a passenger jet over Washington in January. The Army goggles would have made it difficult to see the plane’s colored lights, which might have helped the Black Hawk determine the plane’s direction. The goggles also limited the pilots’ peripheral vision as they flew near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The goggles were discussed Friday at the NTSB’s third and final day of public testimony over the fatal midair crash, which killed 67 people. The final report on the crash is expected next year.