Hudson mid-air: How it might have looked

A simulation played for US House lawmakers by NTSB chairman Deborah Hersman at a hearing today on Capitol Hill shows how an air taxi helicopter might have looked to the pilot of a single-engine Piper Saratoga just before the two collided over the Hudson River, just west of New York City on a sunny Saturday morning in August.

In the animation, the helicopter's position is highlighted by a white circle. The second part of the video shows actual pictures of the aftermath of the collision, taken by witnesses.

Hersman, along with representatives from the FAA and other organizations, were discussing procedures, airspace issues and proposed changes associated with the VFR corridor where the collision occurred. All nine occupants on both aircraft were killed.

The full-length version of the animation is available on the NTSB's website.