The NTSB is investigating a fatal helicopter and plane collision near Washington, D.C., focusing on conflicting altitude data and recovering wreckage from the Potomac River. The investigation involves analyzing flight data recorders, cockpit recordings, maintenance records, and examining the recovered aircraft components. The FAA has indefinitely suspended most designated helicopter routes over the Potomac River.
All 67 victims killed in the helicopter and plane collision have been recovered from the Potomac River , the Unified Command announced Tuesday. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are expected to speak to a bipartisan group of lawmakers Thursday on what they've learned after combing through data from both aircraft and air traffic control .
The briefing will take place as the effort to pull wreckage from the cold waters of the Potomac River continues less than five miles away. Investigators are analyzing data from the crash, but they are facing conflicting altitude readings as they try to piece together what happened. The NTSB said that the Potomac TRACON data for the Black Hawk helicopter showed it at 300 feet shortly before the collision. However, the helicopter's designated route had a strict altitude limit of 200 feet, according to FAA charts. Radar readings from the airport tower place the helicopter at 200 feet, while the commercial jet's flight data recorder reported an altitude of 325 feet. A clearer understanding of the Black Hawk's position will only emerge once its wreckage is recovered from the Potomac River, which is expected to happen in the coming days. In the meantime, the FAA has indefinitely suspended the use of most designated helicopter routes over the Potomac. Both the aircraft's flight data and cockpit voice recorders - commonly known as black boxes - have been recovered. Investigators have been working to synchronize the recordings to better understand the events leading up to the collision. And separate teams continue to review maintenance records for both aircraft. 'Every piece of the information is critical to the investigation, and the NTSB is about transparency,' NTSB board chair Jennifer Homendy told CNN's Pete Muntean on Monday. Determining the Black Hawk's precise altitude at the time of the collision is seen as a crucial step in understanding how two aircraft collided under clear skies over some of the country's most tightly controlled airspace. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report on the crash within 30 days. While final investigations often take more than a year to complete, Homendy voiced optimism that this case could progress more quickly. Crews led by the NTSB and the US Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving have pulled significant pieces of the passenger jet from the Potomac River, including its right wing, sections of the fuselage, the cockpit and key flight systems, according to the NTSB. The wreckage is being sent to a secure location 'for a full wreckage layout and examination,' the NTSB said. The investigation will include a detailed inspection of the jet's major components, structural damage, and fracture surfaces as well as an assessment of its overall 'airworthiness,' the NTSB said. Investigators will also examine cockpit switch positions and instrument readings, the agency said. Crews working on the wreckage recovery face another day of cold and wet conditions Thursday. A winter weather advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. for icy conditions, before transitioning to rain later in the morning and clearing by the afternoon. All 67 victims have been identified, officials said Wednesday. Among those victims was Ian Epstein, a charismatic American Airlines flight attendant who was remembered in a celebration of life in North Carolina Wednesday, CNN affiliate WBTV reported. 'He was just the greatest guy who made everybody happy all the time,' Lynne Southmayd, a former flight attendant, told WBTV
Helicopter Crash Plane Crash Potomac River NTSB FAA Washington D.C. Altitude Data Wreckage Recovery Air Traffic Control
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.
Potomac River Plane Crash: No Survivors, NTSB Begins InvestigationA tragic plane crash in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. claimed the lives of all on board. The NTSB is investigating the incident, considering factors like human error, the environment, and the aircraft's systems. The recovery of flight data recorders is underway.
Read more »
Potomac River Crash: No Survivors, NTSB InvestigatesTwo aircraft collided over the Potomac River, resulting in a catastrophic crash with multiple fatalities. President Trump confirmed no survivors, and a major recovery effort is underway. The NTSB is investigating the incident, focusing on potential staffing issues at the air traffic control tower and communication failures. The crash has deeply impacted communities, with school systems confirming the loss of students and staff members.
Read more »
Potomac River Plane Crash: No Survivors, NTSB InvestigatesTwo aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, resulting in a major recovery effort with dozens of bodies recovered. President Trump has confirmed no survivors. The NTSB is investigating the cause of the crash, looking at human factors, the aircraft, and the environment. The agency expects to recover flight data recorders from both the passenger jet and military helicopter involved. A preliminary FAA report suggests non-standard staffing at the air traffic control tower.
Read more »
NTSB: Plane Pilot May Have Tried to Avoid Collision in Potomac River CrashThe National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed at a news conference that the pilot of the passenger plane involved in the collision with a military helicopter in the Potomac River may have attempted a last-second maneuver to evade the impact. The CRJ was at an altitude of 325 feet during the crash, with a change in pitch observed in the plane's nose, suggesting a possible evasive action. However, this maneuver occurred too late to prevent the collision.
Read more »
Watch Live: NTSB Holds Briefing on Deadly Airliner, Helicopter Crash over Potomac RiverSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
NTSB Provides Briefing on Fatal Potomac River Plane CrashThe National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is holding a briefing to share the latest information regarding the investigation into Wednesday's deadly plane accident near Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC. The crash involved American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with another aircraft before both plunged into the Potomac River. Tragically, there were no survivors.
Read more »