Washington, D.C. officials provide updates on the ongoing investigation into the January 29th Potomac River midair collision, detailing the recovery of remains and debris, as well as efforts to remove the crashed Black Hawk helicopter. The U.S. Coast Guard assists with search efforts and maintains a safety zone on the river. Divers survey the wreckage, and officials review air traffic control transcripts to determine the cause of the accident.
Washington, D.C., officials provided updates on the investigation into the January 29th Potomac River midair collision on Saturday. The statement detailed the recovery of remains and debris from the crash site. Unified Command announced that rescuers have recovered 42 sets of remains, with the D.C. chief medical examiner positively identifying 38. The incident resulted in 67 fatalities.
Officials also disclosed their attempts to remove the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter using a crane, which was briefly stabilized, but the operation remains unsuccessful. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to be on the scene, deploying numerous resources to assist with search efforts and maintain a safety zone on the Potomac River.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Navy's Supervisor of Salvage and Diving are currently assessing the crash area and preparing for the recovery of the aircraft. Divers from the salvage company are conducting surveys of the wreckage throughout the day. During a news conference on Saturday evening, officials stated that they are meticulously reviewing the air traffic control transcript. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Todd Inman explained that both the airplane and helicopter would have been able to hear air traffic control instructions but not each other. He emphasized that they are working through the transcript and synchronizing the timing of UHF (ultra-high frequency) radio transmissions, hoping to release them soon.Officials also revealed that staffing at the Reagan Washington National Airport air control tower on the night of the collision was 'not normal.' The investigation couldn't confirm if the crew members in the Black Hawk helicopter were wearing night vision goggles during the incident. While the flight was a training mission that typically utilized night vision goggles, it remains unclear if they were actively being worn at the time. Further investigation will determine if the goggles were in use and what role they might have played in the accident. In addition, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy released a video on X, stating that he had recently spoken to the families of the victims, acknowledging their unimaginable pain. He pledged to share any information obtained with them and the American public, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring confidence in American air travel. Duffy also announced that airspace around DCA had been restricted from helicopter travel to ensure public safety as people arrive and depart from the capital city in the coming days
Transportation Potomac River Collision Investigation Update Remains Recovered Helicopter Removal Air Traffic Control NTSB
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