The recovery of all victims from the midair collision between an American Airlines plane and a Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. is complete. Officials are awaiting final identification confirmation for one victim. Salvage operations continue to remove wreckage from the Potomac River.
All 67 victims from the midair collision near Reagan National Airport have been recovered, according to Unified Command. However, only 66 of them have been positively identified. Officials are awaiting testing results to confirm the identity of the final victim, according to a spokesperson for the Unified Command. 'This marks a significant step in bringing closure to the impacted families and community,' a press release announcing this update stated.
The remaining wreckage is still being cleared from the Potomac River. 'While all victims have been identified, salvage operations will continue with a strict commitment to the dignified recovery of any additional remains,' the press release states. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, is leading the wreckage removal operations. Large lifts are scheduled to continue through Tuesday evening, with unloading expected on Wednesday when environmental and tidal conditions allow it. Operations will then shift to recovering wreckage from the Black Hawk helicopter. 'Our hearts are with the victims’ families as they navigate this tragic loss,' Unified Commands officials said in a statement. 'We extend our deepest condolences and remain committed to supporting them through this difficult time.' The community is urged to call 911 if they have information related to the recovery efforts in the Potomac or Anacostia Rivers or on the shore. Officials advise against touching or removing any items, emphasizing that following this guidance is critical to supporting the impacted families and the investigation. No one survived the American Airlines plane and Black Hawk helicopter collision. The American Airlines jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The helicopter had three soldiers on board. According to the Associated Press, a few minutes before the jet was to land, air traffic controllers asked American Airlines Flight 5342 if it could do so on a shorter runway, and the pilots agreed. Controllers cleared the jet to land and flight tracking sites showed the plane adjust its approach to the new runway. Less than 30 seconds before the collision, an air traffic controller asked a helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight. The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later, saying “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ' — apparently telling the copter to wait for the Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet to pass, AP reported. There was no reply, and the aircraft collided seconds later. The NTSB reported that preliminary data from the investigation revealed conflicting altitude readings between the two aircraft. According to the NTSB, the jet's flight recorder indicated an altitude of 325 feet, with a margin of error of 25 feet. However, data from the control tower showed the Black Hawk at 200 feet, which is the maximum allowed altitude for helicopters in the area.Investigators are examining the actions of the military pilot as well as air traffic control after the helicopter flew into the jet’s path. NTSB investigations normally take at least a year, though investigators hope to have a preliminary report within 30 days
Midair Collision Reagan National Airport Potomac River American Airlines Black Hawk Helicopter NTSB Investigation
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
American Airlines Flight Collides with Helicopter over Potomac River: U.S. Figure Skating Champions Among VictimsA tragic midair collision involving an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., resulted in significant loss of life. Russian figure skating world champions, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, along with their son, were reportedly on board the American Airlines flight.
Read more »
D.C. plane crash live updates as search for victims continues in Potomac River; no survivors expectedSearch efforts continue after a plane from Wichita, with 64 people on board, collided with an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., and crashed into the Potomac River.
Read more »
Figure Skaters Among Victims in Potomac River Plane CrashAn American Airlines flight carrying figure skaters and coaches returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships collided with an Army helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River. It is unclear if there are any survivors. U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that several skaters, coaches, and family members were on the flight. Russian figure skating coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, former world champions, were also on board.
Read more »
President Trump Plans to Meet with Families of Potomac River Crash Victims, Not Visit SitePresident Trump announced plans to meet with families of the victims from the mid-air collision in the Potomac River, but stated he wouldn't visit the crash site. When asked about his plans for visiting the crash site, Trump responded sarcastically, questioning the purpose of swimming in the water.
Read more »
Deadly Mid-Air Collision in Potomac River: Search Continues for VictimsRescue crews are continuing their search for victims after a fatal midair collision between an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in the Potomac River. At least 40 victims have been recovered, making it the deadliest air disaster in the U.S. since 2001. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the cause of the collision.
Read more »
Family members of DC plane crash victims visit scene at Potomac RiverDozens of loved ones gathered by the Potomac River to commemorate the 67 killed.
Read more »