Barges are set to arrive in the D.C. area on Saturday to assist with salvage operations following the fatal plane crash at Regan National Airport (DCA) on Wednesday. The crash, which claimed the lives of 67 individuals, involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter colliding with an American Airlines plane midair.
NTSB member Todd Inman stated on Friday that the barges will aid in salvage operations to ensure all remaining victims are recovered. The recovered remains will be promptly handed over to the D.C. Medical Examiner’s Office for identification before being returned to their families.
As of Friday, at least 40 bodies had been retrieved from the Potomac River. Both black boxes from the aircraft have been located.
NTSB investigators examine the so-called black box recovered from the American Airlines plane that crashed with a U.S. Army Black hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C, Thursday, Jan.30, 2024. (NTSB)
DC PLANE CRASH INVESTIGATORS RECOVER AMERICAN AIRLINES BLACK BOXES AFTER MIDAIR COLLISION
A report by the New York Post suggests that the Black Hawk was flying significantly above its designated altitude and lacking new technology that could have prevented the collision. Initial findings also indicate abnormal staffing levels at the time.
The Black Hawk was operating over 300 feet above the Potomac River, surpassing the recommended 200-foot limit for helicopters in that area. President Trump also expressed concern over the helicopter’s altitude in a recent statement.
Trump signed an executive order calling for an urgent evaluation of aviation safety following the incident.
A graphic of the two flight paths. (Fox News)
