Deadly midair collision near Washington, DC: Investigators recover black boxes

Friday 31 January 2025 - 07:34

US investigators have recovered the black boxes from the American Airlines jet that collided with a US Army helicopter near Washington, DC, resulting in the tragic deaths of all 67 passengers.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed on Friday that both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700 jet have been retrieved. These devices, crucial for determining the cause of the crash, are now undergoing analysis at NTSB laboratories.

NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy assured the public that the agency is committed to a thorough investigation, emphasizing that all possible factors contributing to the incident will be examined. This marks the first fatal crash involving a US commercial airline in over 15 years.

The tragedy has also sparked political debate, with former President Donald Trump suggesting that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies at the Federal Aviation Administration could have played a role in the disaster. His remarks, made at a news conference, drew criticism from various political figures and advocacy groups, who condemned them as irresponsible and misleading.

Transportation officials, including Pete Buttigieg, defended the FAA’s safety record, noting that despite millions of flights, there had been no fatal commercial airline crashes in recent years before this incident.

Flight data indicate that shortly before the crash, air traffic controllers instructed the American Airlines Flight 5342 crew to adjust their landing approach. Less than 30 seconds before impact, a controller asked the helicopter crew if they had visual contact with the approaching jet.

Authorities have so far recovered about 40 bodies from the Potomac River, with victims including former world champion figure skaters, Chinese nationals, and a group of hunters. The full list of casualties has not yet been released.

The collision occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, located in Arlington, Virginia. Known for its proximity to the US capital, the airport is a preferred choice for many travelers over the more distant Dulles International Airport.