Washington, D.C.:
On Wednesday, a collision between a U.S. Airlines regional passenger plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. led to the loss of over 60 lives. The crash occurred near the Potomac River, close to the Reagan Washington National Airport.
So far, 28 bodies have been recovered from the river. This collision appears to be the deadliest aviation accident in the U.S. in the past 20 years.
What Caused the Accident?
Local authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, but some details have emerged. The black boxes, which provide crucial information about the final moments of the flight, have not been located yet. Reports indicate that the Black Hawk helicopter also had data recorders, but it remains unclear whether the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) or the Pentagon will analyze them.
The wreckage of the accident is currently stored in Hangar 7 at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Transport Secretary’s Statement
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the air collision could have been avoided and promised, “We will ensure that these mistakes never happen again.”
Investigation Begins
The NTSB will hold a meeting with representatives from aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Airlines, and other relevant agencies to start the investigation into the incident.
According to reports, the initial investigation report is expected to be released within 30 days, while the final report is anticipated to be completed within 12 to 18 months.