The helicopter pilot might have assumed the CRJ was flying straight and level...

Probably not. They know the planes they're looking out for are coming in to land at the airport off to their right. But he might have been looking at a plane approaching a different runway. The CRJ was coming in to runway 33.

It's an odd approach to that runway, and must be done visually (so only in good weather). Planes actually line up for runway 1. Then at a certain point, they leave that approach, turn slightly right and follow the Potomac until they turn slightly left for the short final approach to 33. It's possible that the helo was looking at the plane behind the CRJ still on the approach to runway 1.

Still, all just conjecture at this point. At best, its one possible scenario I suspect the investigators will consider.

--Peter

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