“Update on DC Collision to be Provided to Lawmakers”
Lawmakers are set to receive an update on the investigation into the recent midair collision between a US military Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines plane near Washington, DC. Investigators will brief lawmakers on Thursday, sharing insights gleaned from analyzing data from both aircraft and air traffic control.
Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are scheduled to address the bipartisan group as the recovery efforts of wreckage from the Potomac River, less than five miles away, continue.
Here is what is known so far about the investigation into the fatal crash that claimed the lives of 67 individuals:
– Conflicting Altitude Data: The NTSB is facing challenges in reconciling conflicting altitude data as they piece together the sequence of events leading to the collision. Discrepancies include the Black Hawk’s reported altitude of 300 feet from Potomac TRACON data while FAA charts indicated a strict limit of 200 feet for its designated route. Radar readings from the airport tower placed the helicopter at 200 feet, while the commercial jet’s flight data recorder recorded an altitude of 325 feet.
– Investigation Efforts: The NTSB is awaiting the recovery of the Black Hawk’s wreckage from the Potomac River, which is expected to shed light on the helicopter’s exact position. Meanwhile, the FAA has suspended the use of most helicopter routes over the Potomac.
– Data Collection: Both aircraft’s flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved, with investigators working on synchronizing the recordings to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events preceding the collision. Maintenance records for both aircraft are also under review.
– Caution Against Premature Conclusions: Officials emphasize the importance of not jumping to conclusions regarding the crash’s cause until a thorough investigation is completed.
The NTSB plans to issue a preliminary report on the crash within 30 days, with final investigations typically lasting over a year. However, there is optimism that progress in this case may be faster.
The investigation teams, led by NTSB and US Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, have recovered significant portions of the passenger jet from the river, including its right wing, fuselage sections, cockpit, and key flight systems. The wreckage will be meticulously examined in a secure location to assess structural damage and other crucial components.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated that they will conduct a thorough evaluation of the aircraft’s surfaces and an assessment of its overall “airworthiness.” The agency mentioned that investigators will also analyze cockpit switch positions and instrument readings as part of their examination process.
On Thursday, crews involved in the wreckage recovery operation faced another day of challenging conditions characterized by cold and wet weather. A winter weather advisory remained in effect until 10 a.m., warning of icy conditions, which were expected to transition to rain later in the morning and clear by the afternoon.
Officials confirmed on Wednesday that all 67 victims of the tragic incident had been identified and recovered. Among the individuals lost was Ian Epstein, a charismatic American Airlines flight attendant who was honored in a celebration of life held in North Carolina on Wednesday, as reported by CNN affiliate WBTV.
Reflecting on Epstein’s impact, Lynne Southmayd, a former flight attendant, shared with WBTV, “He was just the greatest guy who made everybody happy all the time.” Additional contributions to this report were made by CNN’s Alexandra Skores, Pete Muntean, and Robert Shackelford. To access more CNN news and newsletters, you can create an account at CNN.com.
