Recovery, Investigation ongoing after deadly DC Plane crash

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, January 31st, 2025

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RKI Network
ARLINGTON, Va.— Recovery efforts resumed Friday on the Potomac River following a midair collision that killed 67 people, marking the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in nearly 25 years. Law enforcement officials confirmed that over 40 bodies have been recovered as investigations continue.
The crash occurred Wednesday night when an American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport. All passengers and crew aboard both aircraft perished. Authorities are examining flight conditions, air traffic control operations, and the military pilot’s actions.
Investigators have retrieved the American Airlines plane’s cockpit voice and flight data recorders, but the helicopter’s black box remains missing. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said officials are reviewing factors such as altitude and the crew’s use of night vision goggles.
The collision happened under controversial air traffic control conditions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report revealed that one controller was handling both helicopter and plane traffic at the time. Typically, these roles are split, but they were combined earlier than usual that night. The FAA has long faced staffing shortages, which may have contributed to the incident.
President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the helicopter was flying “too high” beyond its 200-foot limit. Experts warn that Reagan National’s congested airspace presents challenges even under ideal conditions.
Flight operations at the airport have gradually resumed, though investigators caution that determining the exact cause of the crash could take months.