Sign in

Imogen Piper

@imogenpiper.bsky.social
5.7K followers 91 following 44 posts

Visual Forensics Reporter, The Washington Post

PostsRepliesMedia
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Thousands of miles from the Gulf of Oman, near a group of islands called the Riau Archipelago, satellite imagery shows at least 13 tankers have offloaded Iranian oil in ship-to-ship transfers since the U.S. blockade began. Read my new investigation here wapo.st/42psxVo
wapo.st
As U.S. blockades Iran, its oil still flows ship to ship an ocean away
Experts say covert transfers at sea are used to obscure the origins of oil that left Iranian ports and the Gulf of Oman before the blockade was imposed.
1132
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Seconds later, the helicopter collides with the CRJ. A fireball erupts over the river. Air traffic controllers gasp. All 67 people aboard both aircraft were killed.
020
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
The helicopter crew responds saying they have the aircraft in sight, and again request visual separation. Transcripts from the helicopter's internal voice recorder show the instructor telling the pilot to come to the left. "We're kinda out towards the middle."
120
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Our final NVG reconstruction image shows the location of the CRJ just before it's about the turn and fly over the river. 17 seconds before the collision, ATC tells the helicopter to "Pass behind the CRJ". But, the transmission was stepped on, meaning "pass behind" was not audible in the cockpit.
110
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
From the helicopter's perspective the CRJ is positioned over the bright lights of the National Harbor. This waterfront area has become three times brighter in the past 10 years as it has been built up with the addition of the MGM casino, according to a light analysis by The Post.
120
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Night vision goggles narrow the field of vision, requiring pilots to continuously scan the sky. Its from here, 90 seconds before the crash, that we were able to produce our NVG reconstruction. The CRJ arcs over the bright city lights, while the airbus is flying straight over the dark river.
100
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
The CRJ was headed toward runway 33, a lesser-used runway which requires an arced approach over the east bank of the Potomac. Because runway 1 is used around 95% of the time, the helicopter crew could have had expectation bias and have been focused on the Runway 1 approach.
100
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
When Air Traffic control first alerted the helciopter to the presence of the plane (CRJ), a larger Airbus was flying behind it. From the heliopter crew's perspectvie, the two planes would have almost overlapped, providing an opportunity from on to be mistaken for the other.
120
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
For months we have been working to recreate the view from the helicopter cockpit and the light conditions the crew may have encountered. We flew a drone along the helicopter's route. We filmed incoming planes through night vision goggles. We created a 3D model of the D.C. area.
110
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
The NTSB has been looking into whether city lights could have made it difficult for the helicopter crew to track the plane. And whether night vision goggles the crew is believed to have been using could have made it even trickier.
110
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
For our new visual investigation into how night vision and city lights may have played a part in the DCA crash we flew a drone along the helicopters route, filmed incoming planes through night vision goggles, and analyzed it all within a 3D model of Washington, D.C. Watch here wapo.st/4atdTBI
wapo.st
In deadly D.C. plane crash, city lights may have played a role. See how.
The Post examined the bright skyline around Reagan National Airport and whether it may have been a factor in the January accident, which killed 67 people.
24310
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
Authorities have arrested a man for starting a fire on New Years that caused the Palisades blaze several days later. Our investigation from Jan. used satellite and visual analysis to show that a fire on New Year’s Day likely smouldered for days before being reignited 6 days later. wapo.st/4pWUKNX
wapo.st
What caused the Palisades blaze? Visual evidence points to a recent fire nearby.
The Post’s analysis offers evidence that the Palisades Fire started in the area where firefighters had spent hours using helicopters to knock down a blaze six days earlier.
062
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
In the 18 minutes before the DCA crash, the air traffic controller managed the movement of 29 different aircraft, including the arrival or departure of six flights within 5 minutes. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
washingtonpost.com
Crush of flights routinely strained National Airport capacity before crash
Air traffic managers urged fewer flights to reduce risks at Reagan National Airport before the fatal January collision, but testimony shows the FAA bowing to political pressure.
030
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Hi David, I'm a reporter from The Washington Post. Could you message me, we're interested in publishing your photo. Thanks!
000
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Multiple Israeli strikes on Evin Prison in Tehran caused damage across 2,000 feet. The strikes killed civilians and damaged structures including a visitor gate, visitor hall, medical center, and solitary confinement cells. wapo.st/3Id3k9Q
wapo.st
Israeli strike hit four areas in notorious Tehran prison. Civilians among the dead.
A Post review of satellite imagery and videos revealed damage that pointed to multiple strikes, with structures nearly 2,000 feet apart in ruins.
43216
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Our analysis of satellite Imagery showed impacts on aircraft hangars, runways and a likely air force control area. wapo.st/4j8TnqP
wapo.st
Indian strikes on Pakistan damaged six airfields, Post analysis finds
A review of satellite images and aftermath videos found that the strikes damaged three hangars, two runways and a pair of mobile buildings used by the air force.
030
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Our Visual Forensics/International coverage of Israeli atrocities in Gaza was announced last night a Pulitzer Prize finalist! The nominated stories were reported with rigor and care. They centre human stories and harness innovative techniques to uncover hidden truths from afar. Proud of our team!
050
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Visual Evidence indicates UN guesthouse in Gaza was hit by two Israeli tank rounds, killing aid worker Marin Marinov, known to U.N. colleagues for his warmth and kindness, and severely injuring 5 others. Read our story here: wapo.st/4jv2uCI
wapo.st
Photos point to Israeli tank fire in deadly strike on U.N. guest house
Experts say images obtained by The Post show blast patterns and shell fragments that are consistent with two Israeli tank shells. The IDF has denied responsibility for the strike, which killed a Europ...
042
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Unable to publish crucial satellite imagery evidence from the moments after the incident, we recreated the scene in 3D. Six emergency vehicles are visible in a hole just south of where medics' bodies would be exhumed a week later. 20 IDF vehicles are within a 0.5mile radius.
074
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
While the Israeli military said the soldiers shot from afar, gunfire was initially 150 feet away or less when they opened fire on the convoy of emergency vehicles and later was within about 50 feet, according to the estimates of two audio forensics experts who analyzed audio for The Post.
193
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Our story reconstructs the moments before and after the killing and mass burial of health workers in Gaza. The initial Israeli gunshots that targeted Palestinian paramedics were fired from 150 feet or less, audio suggests. Gift link: wapo.st/4cowWMq
wapo.st
How Palestinian first responders ended up in a mass grave in Gaza
Israel says they were fired on for moving “suspiciously.” Dispatcher records, witness testimony, and video and audio evidence offer a more disturbing narrative.
18134
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Palestinian paramedics said Israel gave them safe passage to save a 6-year-old girl in Gaza. They were all killed. Gift link - t.co/m5uFT5qIqo
003
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Israel is demolishing northern Gaza and fortifying military positions, imagery shows Gift link - t.co/8TsOCvDB1o
101
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Threading some of the stories that won... Drone footage raises questions about Israeli justification for deadly strike on Gaza journalists Gift link - t.co/PYrw8C9H5u
100
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
It is an immense honor to be awarded The Shireen Abu Akleh Award for continuing coverage of a conflict from @opcofamerica.bsky.social for our accountability-driven stories about the war in Gaza. We will continue to report on this war, as we are doing today.
3164
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
At this point if the helicopter pilot had misidentified the incoming plane for one further behind, it would have become increasingly difficult for them to realize their mistake as the AA 5342 jet's lights merged with the city lights below as it arced to the east preparing to land at runway 33.
041
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Our examination shows how the American Airlines jet, AA5342, and the second plane AA3130, though separated by miles, would have appeared close to one another near the horizon and the helicopter crew could have confused the two jets when the tower first warned of incoming air traffic.
221
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Helicopter pilot's request for "visual separation" from passenger plane complicated by city lights and potential confusion with another jet in line of sight, our new 3D reconstruction shows. wapo.st/4htyTJf
wapo.st
3D analysis shows how helicopter pilots could have mixed up jets in DCA crash
From the perspective of the helicopter cockpit, the lights of the incoming American Airlines jet could have also been obscured by the glow of the city skyline, pilots said.
193
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
Sentinel-2 satellite imagery taken on Tuesday at 10:45 a.m., around 20 minutes after the Palisades Fire began, indicates that the origin of the smoke overlapped with the burn scar from the New Year’s Eve fire. Smoke extends in the direction of the wind, to the south.
020
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
The Post identified the burn scar of the New Year’s Eve fire using false-color satellite imagery taken before and after the blaze. The near-infrared spectral band helps track changes to vegetation in satellite imagery. Healthy plant cover appears red, while the scorched ground appears blue to brown.
130
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
Our new investigation uses visual evidence and radio coms to show how the burn scar from a New Year's Eve fire may have started the Palisades blaze 6 days later. wapo.st/3Ci3ASa
wapo.st
What caused the Palisades blaze? Visual evidence points to a recent fire nearby
The Post’s analysis offers evidence that the Palisades Fire started in the area where firefighters had spent hours using helicopters to knock down a blaze six days earlier.
2229
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
New clearings and demolitions over the last two months were concentrated in the south of Jabalya, flattening almost half of the camp, including the main market area. As of Dec. 1, a third of all buildings across the North Gaza governate had been destroyed since the beginning of the war.
0137
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
The establishment of this corridor, the clearing of tracts of land on either side of it and the construction of square-shaped protected outposts resemble the IDF’s transformation of the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic Israeli military zone in the center of Gaza, analysts said.
2144
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
The visual evidence shows almost half of Jabalya refugee camp was demolished or cleared between Oct. 14 and Dec. 15, connecting a preexisting road in the west to an expanded vehicle track in the east — carving out a military axis that stretches from the sea to the border fence with Israel.
11812
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
Our new VF story analyzes satellite Imagery alongside witness accounts to show how Israel is establishing a new corridor in North Gaza, fortifying military positions, demolishing huge swathes of Jabalya and Beit Lahia, and forcing civilians out. wapo.st/4gFoSrO
wapo.st
Israel is demolishing northern Gaza and fortifying military positions, imagery shows
Visual analysis and interviews show how Palestinians have been forced from their homes in the north as the Israeli military cuts a new corridor through Gaza.
412385
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Our story draws on testimony and verifies videos to trace acts of violent retribution and extrajudicial killings across Syria post Rebel takeover. w/ @ntabrizy.bsky.social, @leloveluck.bsky.social, Loveday Morris, Susan Haidamous and Mustafa Salim wapo.st/49IXjeO
wapo.st
Revenge attacks in post-Assad Syria fuel fear and mistrust
Across Syria, the country’s rebel leaders are struggling to contain revenge attacks, as vigilantes seize on the chaos of the moment to settle personal scores.
022
Reposted by Imogen Piper
Samuel Oakford (WaPo) @samueloakford.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
During Helene, dozens were dramatically rescued from the roof of a Tennessee hospital. A mile away, 6 workers died at a factory. We spent 2 months investigating why some lived — and some died — in Erwin, analyzing visuals, flood maps, weather data + interviewing survivors and relatives. GIFT LINK:
wapo.st
The decisions that cost some lives and saved others during Helene’s wrath
Victims and survivors filmed Helene’s flooding in Tennessee, showing what went wrong as a hospital was evacuated and six people were swept away at a nearby factory.
48749
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
“They lost homes, limbs and loved ones.” Some families lost their sole breadwinner, others are left with chronic medical needs. @megkelly.bsky.social on the even greater urgency, post-election, of making payments to the families of civilians killed in US strikes. wapo.st/3YUeyov
wapo.st
Pentagon urged to make payments for slain, injured civilians
Groups have appealed to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to address a backlog of civilian casualty claims before the Biden administration leaves office.
042
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 13/08/2024
Paratroopers arrived at Miqdad's home to rescue the hostages & special forces after their vehicle broke down. Miqdad told The Post troops shot two of his grandsons; one, 12yr old Yamen, later died in the hospital. Helmet cam shows the civilian escape vehicles parked out front.
000
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 13/08/2024
After the vehicle carrying the three male hostages was shot at and broke down on the way out of Nuseirat, the forces stopped outside the family home of Abdul Raouf Miqdad and waited for paratroopers to arrive to rescue them.
100
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 13/08/2024
A video filmed half a mile from the site of the raid, shows the aftermath of a strike. At least 15 people are dead or severely wounded. Another large strike is recorded near a busy market. Because the raid is occurring during the day, the streets are full.
100
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 13/08/2024
Minutes later, the first airstrikes hit. The Post verified visual evidence of least 13 airstrikes, that destroyed at least 17 structures. The strikes spanned a mile across Nuseirat and lasted for nearly four hours, including after the hostages had been evacuated.
100
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 13/08/2024
On the morning of June 8, Israeli commandos stormed two apartments in Nuseirat to free 4 hostages held by Hamas. At one building, a team climbed ladders from a civilian Mercedes van, whilst another entered from the other side. They reach the hostages, but a firefight ensues.
100
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 13/08/2024
4 hostages rescued amid nearly 4 hours of airstrikes. Our Visual Forensics investigation reconstructs the Israeli hostage rescue raid in Nuseirat, Gaza in which a vehicle broke down, a commander was shot, a family was home raided, and so many Palestinians were killed. Watch here wapo.st/4di8P1F
wapo.st
How an Israeli hostage rescue that left scores of Palestinians dead unfolded
A review of videos of the June 8 raid in Nuseirat shows the Israeli military employed heavy airstrikes on a dense residential area for nearly four hours
154
Imogen Piper @imogenpiper.bsky.social · 05/09/2023
Our new Visual Forensics investigation examines the role of non-native grasslands in the spread of the Lahaina fire in Maui. t.co/YGJCk09R1C
051