Plane collides with Blackhawk helicopter Washington DC

[MonkMode]

There were three planes in the area. The helicopter pilot reported having the PSA flight in sight but could have easily misidentified the American A319 behind the PSA and never even seen the flight they collided with.

IMO:

It looks like the Blackhawk both swerved and ascended to hit the plane, after the pilot was warned of the approaching airline’s altitude.

ATC didn’t assume the pilot had malicious intent.