Divers are set to return to the Potomac River as part of the ongoing recovery and investigation efforts following a tragic midair collision that marked the country’s deadliest aviation accident in nearly 25 years.
The collision, which took place near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, involved an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter. The incident occurred late Wednesday and resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals, which included several prominent figure skaters. So far, over 40 bodies have been retrieved from the river.
Air crash investigations can extend for several months, and representatives from federal agencies conveyed on Thursday that they would refrain from making any anticipatory comments about the cause of the accident.
In recent developments, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed significant restrictions on helicopter traffic in the areas surrounding the Washington, D.C., airport. An official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that these regulations are a response to the aforementioned collision and ongoing recovery activities over the crash site. Most helicopters will no longer be allowed to use low-altitude routes that run under or parallel to the airspace used by the airport.
A riverkeeper from the Potomac Riverkeeper Network received authorization to conduct a search along the river near the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, approximately two miles downstream from the crash vicinity. During his patrol, he discovered various debris from the plane, including sections of the cabin wall, parts of a flight manual, a woman’s sweater, and what appeared to be a pilot’s seat cushion. This debris was subsequently handed over to the FBI for further investigation.
The riverkeeper expressed his sorrow, noting that everything he found was coated in jet fuel, reminding him of the individuals connected to those belongings. He remarked, “It’s just a sad day on the river.”
According to a law enforcement official, efforts to recover bodies continue, with over 40 individuals having been retrieved from the Potomac. The official, who preferred to remain unnamed, emphasized the ongoing nature of the recovery operations.
In a related statement, Trump stated that the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved was flying at a high altitude during the crash. He asserted that its elevation exceeded the 200-foot limit, which he described as a straightforward observation. His comments coincided with a critique of the helicopter pilot’s decisions and an unrelated contention that diversity initiatives compromise air safety.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added that the helicopter’s altitude appears to have contributed to the incident. The three-member Army crew was engaged in continuity of government training exercises at the time of the midair collision, which often involves familiarizing military personnel with essential routes for emergency scenarios. Hegseth emphasized the need for rigorous training while also highlighting the importance of minimizing risks during such operations.
As of now, investigators have yet to locate the black box from the Army helicopter that was involved in the accident. Hegseth confirmed that the search for this crucial piece of equipment is ongoing, along with inquiries into the helicopter’s altitude and the crew’s use of night vision equipment. Meanwhile, the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the passenger aircraft have already been recovered and are undergoing examination by the National Transportation Safety Board.
The Chinese embassy has confirmed the presence of two Chinese nationals among the crash victims, offering consular assistance and extending deepest sympathy to the families affected.
Aviation experts have long cautioned that the congested airspace around Washington, D.C., presents significant challenges and could lead to a tragedy. One expert remarked that this disaster had long been anticipated. Indeed, just 24 hours before the collision, a different regional jet had to adjust its landing approach to avoid a military helicopter, illustrating the crowded and hazardous conditions pilots face around Reagan Airport.
Historically, fatal accidents involving commercial aircraft in the U.S. have become less frequent, with the last major incident occurring in 2009 when a plane crashed in New York, claiming 49 lives. In the current situation involving the Bombardier CRJ-701 and UH-60 Blackhawk, both aircraft fell into the Potomac River, reminiscent of the tragic 1982 Air Florida crash that resulted in 78 casualties.
The Air Line Pilots Association has dispatched its accident investigation team to collaborate with the National Transportation Safety Board while offering support to union members and families impacted by the tragedy. Jason Ambrosi, the union’s president, expressed condolences and emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to unfold without premature speculation.
Regarding air traffic control, an FAA report indicated that a single controller was managing both helicopter and aircraft operations at the time of the incident. Although the staffing configuration was deemed “not normal,” it was clarified that personnel levels were standard for that shift. The note highlighted that such configurations are often employed when controllers require breaks or are transitioning between shifts during light air traffic periods.
