Federal investigators are delving into whether the pilots aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 realized they were in danger moments before the tragic collision occurred.

This devastating event resulted in the loss of 67 lives when the airplane collided with a helicopter that appeared to be flying above its designated altitude for safety.

The unfortunate crash happened around 9 pm as the plane was traveling from Kansas. At this time, it struck the Black Hawk helicopter.

According to the latest reports from the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft made an abrupt upward turn just seconds prior to the collision.

This development brings into focus whether the pilots spotted the helicopter at the eleventh hour. “It seems that right before the impact, there was a slight upward pitch adjustment,” the report noted. “This suggests the crew attempted to avert the disastrous impact but simply ran out of time.”

Sadly, despite their last-second efforts to change course, the fatal collision was unavoidable.

Flight data records indicate the impact occurred 300 to 350 feet above ground level, a precarious height. Notably, the helicopter was flying over 100 feet higher than permitted, according to aviation specialists.