A devastating helicopter plane crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has resulted in the loss of 67 lives, sparking a massive investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board. The recovery of critical flight data recorders is expected to shed light on the cause of the tragic collision.
Emergency responders have made significant progress in recovering debris from the site where a helicopter collided with an American Airlines flight, killing 67 people at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday. The cockpit voice recorder, also known as the black box, has been recovered from the helicopter involved in the crash.
As of Friday, 28 people from the crash have been identified and 41 bodies have been recovered from the water. However, officials warn that the rest of the bodies will not be found until they are able to hoist the plane off the riverbed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has restricted helicopter traffic around the airport due to concerns about overcrowding in the airspace overhead.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the collision. NTSB members have stated that they still do not know the cause of the crash. The main lifting of salvage operations, which will be carried out by the US Navy, is set to begin on Saturday. Parts of the aircraft need to be removed from the water before divers can go back in.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent US government agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents.
Established in 1967, the NTSB investigates aviation, highway, marine, pipeline, and railroad incidents to identify causes and make recommendations for improvement.
The NTSB has no regulatory powers but plays a crucial role in promoting transportation safety through its investigative findings and policy recommendations.
Its reports are widely respected for their thoroughness and objectivity, providing valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
The NTSB is also investigating reports that one air traffic controller was managing both control for helicopters and airplanes flying in the area at the time of the crash. Officials plan to examine the controller’s behavior over the past several weeks, particularly in the 72 hours leading up to the crash. The Air Traffic Control group is conducting interviews as part of their investigation.
Air traffic controllers are responsible for ensuring the safe takeoff, landing, and travel of aircraft through controlled airspace.
They work in high-pressure environments, making split-second decisions to prevent collisions and ensure efficient flight schedules.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were over 45,000 air traffic controller positions worldwide as of 2020.
Air traffic controllers undergo rigorous training and must possess excellent communication skills, situational awareness, and problem-solving abilities.
The NTSB has confirmed that they are in contact with the White House regarding the investigation. ‘was flying too high’ , President Donald Trump has suggested without evidence that the helicopter involved in the crash. Recordings of air traffic control conversations published online suggest that a controller tried to warn the helicopter about the American Airlines plane in the seconds before the collision.
ATC conversations also involve reporting weather conditions, air traffic, and other hazards.
Controllers use standardized phraseology to minimize misunderstandings and ensure compliance with regulations.
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The recovery of the black box is expected to provide valuable data on what happened during the crash. After soaking and extracting moisture from the recorders, investigators will be able to obtain data ‘very soon ‘, according to NTSB member Todd Inman. Over 500 people have been working around the clock at the site of the crash in the Potomac River.
