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National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman confirmed, at a Friday press conference, that the Black Hawk helicopter's black box has been recovered and is in "good condition."
The plane's two black boxes were previously recovered on Thursday.
Inman said the plane's flight data recorder was also in good condition and he had a "high level of confidence we will be able to get a full download in the very near future."
The cockpit voice recorder had water intrusion, which he said "is not uncommon" and should still be salvageable, he added.
What to Know:
- It claimed the lives of 67 people who were on board both aircraft.
- The board will also look at hiring and training practices for the air traffic controllers.
- 41 bodies have been recovered from the crash, with 28 positively identified.
- Victims include a pilot set to be married, the daughter of Indian immigrants, and champion figure skaters.
- The crash has highlighted concerns about air traffic control, aviation safety procedures and challenges that come with navigating shared airspaces near major metropolitan hubs.
Newsweek's live blog is closed.
Jan 31, 2025 at 06:31 PM EST
NTSB has interviewed air traffic controller working during crash
National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said that the air traffic controller working during the crash has been interviewed.
It's unclear how many controllers were working at the time, but Inman said that interviews were ongoing.
"Air traffic control interviews are critical," he said. "That's the reason why there's a process in place that began immediately after the accident."
He added that NTSB's investigation would also look at hiring and training practices.
"We'll go back and look at (the air traffic controllers') past, probably, 72 hours, even two or three weeks," he said. "We'll look at their training, their hiring, everything. What they probably ate that day."
"But it is not one point that tells us everything. It's layered into a lot of other information that's very critical," he continued.
Jan 31, 2025 at 06:14 PM EST
Black Hawk helicopter will be removed from river today
The Black Hawk helicopter involved in the fatal crash with the plane will be lifted out of the Potomac River today.
Jan 31, 2025 at 06:12 PM EST
Black box from Black Hawk helicopter recovered
The Black Hawk's black box has been recovered and is in "good condition," NTSB member Todd Inman said during the briefing.
The plane's two black boxes were previously recovered on Thursday.
Inman said the flight data recorder was found to be in good condition and they have a "high level of confidence we will be able to get a full download in the very near future."
The cockpit voice recorder had water intrusion, which he said "is not uncommon."
Jan 31, 2025 at 05:50 PM EST
Victims families are getting assistance, says NTSB member
National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman that the families of victims killed in the plane crash are receiving briefings and assistance.
He told a press conference, on Friday, that he had spent past few hours with the families.
"They are one of our primary concerns, along with making sure we get factual information out," he said.
Jan 31, 2025 at 05:48 PM EST
NTSB says they are debris mapping, which will help them understand crash cause
Todd Inman, Member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said at the Friday press conference, that the agency is currently "debris mapping" after the the crash.
Inman told reporters that the debris map will show, "how the machine reacted to the incident and helps us with understanding some of the air worthiness, crash worthiness and human factors.
Jan 31, 2025 at 05:33 PM EST
NTDB press briefing begins
The NTSB is holding a news conference on the midair collision in Washington D.C.
Jan 31, 2025 at 05:32 PM EST
WATCH: Karoline Leavitt calls Trump’s DEI crackdown at FAA ‘common sense’
Jan 31, 2025 at 05:13 PM EST
Republicans buck Trump over whether DEI was responsible for DC plane crash
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A number of Republicans have distanced themselves from President Donald Trump's claim that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration were to blame for a fatal plane crash in Washington, D.C. this week.
Trump made eradicating DEI policies across the government a central pillar of his 2024 campaign and said Thursday, without evidence, that diversity within the FAA was responsible for a midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 people and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crewed by three.
There is no information suggesting the crash was caused by DEI initiatives and reporters have pointed out that some of the policies Trump blamed were in place during his first presidential term.
Missouri Representative Sam Graves is the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, which oversees the FAA in the House of Representatives. He told Politico in an interview that DEI was not to blame for Wednesday's tragic crash.
Read in full from Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.
Jan 31, 2025 at 05:00 PM EST
NTSB member says there will be no political interference in investigation
National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said today that there will be no political interference in the investigation into the crash.
"There's a lot of people that have speculation and want to be heard in that regard," Inman told CNN.
"We understand that, but our job is to find, ultimately, what caused this and prevent it in the future."
Inman said that the NTSB remained bipartisan, with the agency setting a gold standard across the country.
Jan 31, 2025 at 04:57 PM EST
Maryland Governor slams Trump for reacting to plane crash with ‘hatred and chaos’
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore slammed President Donald Trump on Friday for blaming DEI practices for the deadly plane crash.
"When this country needed comfort, we got chaos," Moore at the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting.
"When this country needed healing, we got hatred."
Jan 31, 2025 at 04:28 PM EST
Helicopter was flying above 200 feet before crash
The Army Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into a commercial plane killing dozens of people was flying above the 200-foot ceiling for choppers in the area, the Washington Post reports after reviewing radar data.
President Trump had previously posted on Truth Social that the helicopter was flying higher than it should have been.
When asked whether Trump was implying incompetence by the military helicopter's crew, White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, "The president is simply stating what he said in that Truth Social post... which is that the helicopter was flying higher than it should have been, which is one of the reasons that led to this collision."
"The other reasons for that are still being investigated, and I will let that investigation play out."
Jan 31, 2025 at 04:00 PM EST
Republicans buck Trump over whether DEI was responsible for DC plane crash
A number of Republicans have distanced themselves from President Donald Trump's claim that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration were to blame for a fatal plane crash in Washington, D.C. this week.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment on Friday via email.
Trump made eradicating DEI policies across the government a central pillar of his 2024 campaign and said Thursday, without evidence, that diversity within the FAA was responsible for a mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 people and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crewed by three.
There is no information suggesting the crash was caused by DEI initiatives and reporters have pointed out that some of the policies Trump blamed were in place during his first presidential term.
Read the full story by Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.
Jan 31, 2025 at 03:50 PM EST
Reagan National Airport cancels 100 flights due to runway closures
Reagan National Airport experienced significant disruption on Friday, with 100 flights canceled following a crash near the airport.
Terry Liercke, the airport's vice president and manager, confirmed that two of the airport's three runways were closed to prevent planes from flying over the crash site.
Liercke said that the closures would likely last for about a week but would be reassessed as the recovery operation progresses. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight schedules.
Jan 31, 2025 at 03:32 PM EST
Trans national guard member Jo Ellis responds to false claims linking her to DC crash as pilot
Trans National Guard member Jo Ellis has taken to social media to address false claims circulating on the internet that name her as one of the pilots involved in the recent crash near Washington, D.C.
In a post shared earlier today, Ellis condemned the misinformation, calling it "insulting" to the victims and their families.
Ellis urged followers to report any accounts or posts spreading these baseless rumors, emphasizing that the victims and their loved ones deserve respect and dignity during this tragic time.
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Jan 31, 2025 at 03:19 PM EST
U.S. Army identifies 2 of the soldiers killed in Blackhawk helicopter crash
The three-person crew onboard the Blackhawk included Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O'Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Georgia, who is believed to be deceased pending positive identification. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, of Great Mills, Maryland, has not yet been recovered and remains in a status of duty status-whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN). The third crew member's identity is withheld at the request of the family and is also listed as DUSTWUN, the U.S. Army reports.
Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, commander of the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region, expressed condolences for the families of the fallen soldiers, emphasizing that recovery efforts and full cooperation with investigative agencies are the top priorities.
Both Eaves and O'Hara had decorated military careers, with multiple commendations for their service.
Jan 31, 2025 at 03:00 PM EST
Reagan National Airport urges passengers to contact airlines for flight updates
At a Friday afternoon press conference, Terry Liercke, vice president and manager of Reagan National Airport, advised passengers to reach out to their airlines for updates on flight delays following the fatal crash near the airport.
Fire Chief John Donnelly confirmed that recovery teams have so far recovered 41 bodies, with 28 positively identified. Notifications have been made to the families of 18 victims.
While the timeline for completing the recovery operation remains uncertain, Donnelly assured that teams are working tirelessly to recover all bodies, emphasizing, "That's why our teams are still working."
Jan 31, 2025 at 02:48 PM EST
Reagan National Airport has 25 certified air traffic controllers, FAA says
Ronald Reagan National Airport currently has 25 fully certified air traffic controllers, with an additional three in training, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The FAA clarified that the airport's air traffic control tower is authorized to operate with up to 28 controllers.
The three trainees are all experienced professionals who have been certified at other facilities, the agency added.
Jan 31, 2025 at 02:35 PM EST
Flight data suggests Black Hawk was off course before fatal collision
Flight tracking data indicates the Black Hawk helicopter involved in Wednesday's fatal midair collision near Reagan National Airport was flying above its maximum allowed altitude and deviated from its prescribed route, CNN reported.
Just two minutes before the crash, the helicopter was recorded at 200 feet over East Potomac Park—the limit for that section of Route 1, a designated helicopter corridor. The data shows the aircraft then climbed to 300 feet as it crossed the Potomac River, placing it closer to the airport than standard procedures allow.
The Black Hawk also appeared to veer toward the center of the river rather than following the usual east bank path, further positioning it closer to the American Airlines regional jet approaching the airport.
Ian Petchenik, a spokesperson for FlightRadar24, said the available data supports this assessment but noted its limitations. The military helicopter was transmitting a Mode S signal, which provides minimal flight details, while the commercial plane used ADS-B, a more advanced tracking system.
A full investigation, including an analysis of both aircrafts' black boxes, will be necessary to confirm the exact sequence of events leading to the collision.
Jan 31, 2025 at 02:30 PM EST
Rep. Jesús García accuses Trump of exploiting DC air collision
Rep. Jesús García criticized Trump for using the fatal midair collision over Washington, DC, to push political narratives, calling it an attempt to "exploit disaster."
In an interview with CNN, the Illinois Democrat accused Trump of spreading "racist lies and divisiveness" for political gain.
García also noted that air travel fatalities have significantly declined in recent years and emphasized the need to wait for investigative findings.
"We don't know what occurred and whether it was human error or other factors," he said, adding that the House Aviation subcommittee will act once the facts are clear.
Jan 31, 2025 at 02:16 PM EST
American Airlines retires flight number after fatal DC air collision
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American Airlines announced it is retiring the flight number of the American Eagle jet involved in Wednesday's fatal midair collision near Reagan National Airport.
The flight from Wichita to Washington, previously designated as Flight 5342, will now operate as American Airlines Flight 5677.
"Flight AA5342 will not be used for any future American Airlines flights," the airline said.
Retiring flight numbers after major aviation accidents is a common industry practice. American Eagle is a network of regional carriers owned and operated by American Airlines.
Jan 31, 2025 at 01:56 PM EST
NTSB to hold briefing on fatal midair collision investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will provide an update on its investigation into the deadly midair collision over Washington, D.C., during a press briefing at 4 p.m. ET.
The briefing will take place at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where officials are expected to share new details about the crash involving an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.
Jan 31, 2025 at 01:43 PM EST
Mississippi National Guard officer killed in midair collision near Reagan National Airport
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves was among those killed in Wednesday's fatal midair collision near Reagan National Airport.
Reeves expressed his condolences, saying the state is mourning the loss of Eaves.
Jan 31, 2025 at 01:29 PM EST
Trump orders assessment of FAA hiring practices over past four years, following crash
White House Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Donald Trump has issued a memorandum ordering an assessment of FAA hiring practices over the past four years, following the aviation tragedy.
Leavitt blamed DEI for the crash, claiming, "We certainly have seen the deterioration of federal hiring standards at the Federal Aviation Administration, and the president wants to increase those standards.
"He wants pilots in this country who have the great responsibility of flying American citizens by the 10s of millions every single day to be chosen for that position based on their merit and their skills."
Jan 31, 2025 at 01:21 PM EST
American Airlines is retiring flight number 5342
American Airlines announced it is retiring flight number 5342 after the jet fatally collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
"Flight AA5342 will not be used for any future American Airlines flights," the airline told NBC News.
The flight traveling from Wichita to Reagan International Airport tonight will now operate as American Airlines flight 5677.
It is common for airlines to retire flight numbers after aviation tragedies.
Jan 31, 2025 at 01:15 PM EST
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt says White House ‘continues to mourn’ plane crash victims
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the White House "continues to mourn" the plane crash victims, during an afternoon press conference.
"Everyone in this White House continues to mourn the victims and keep their friends and families in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time," Leavitt said.
Jan 31, 2025 at 12:54 PM EST
Trump is ‘exploiting disaster’, says Democrat lawmaker
A Democratic lawmaker has accused President Donald Trump of "exploiting disaster" in the wake of the deadly plane crash.
Rep. Jesús García told CNN that Trump is "exploiting disaster to continue to spread racist lies and divisiveness across the country, simply to score political points with his base."
Garcia added that the cause of the crash, whether human error or other factors, is still unknown and said that people should not make assumptions until the facts were known.
Jan 31, 2025 at 12:29 PM EST
Plane crash victims could run into problems trying to sue the FAA
Legal experts have told Newsweek that there is potential for lawsuits stemming from the crash involving an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday night, but suing the government could be difficult.
All 64 passengers on board the PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 jet and the three flying in the Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk military helicopter are believed to have died in the accident.
Trump blamed diversity programs from the Obama and Biden administrations for the accident, citing a Fox News article about a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hiring initiative for people with disabilities. However, a similar program was launched in 2019 during Trump's own presidency and such hiring policies have existed for over a decade.
Read the full article by Erin Keller on Newsweek.
Jan 31, 2025 at 12:20 PM EST
FAA issues new helicopter flight restrictions over D.C. area
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The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented new flight restrictions for helicopters in Washington, D.C., and around Reagan National Airport, per NBC News.
Zone 1, which covers airspace between certain bridges, is currently inactive, while Zone 4 now only permits helicopter flights south of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
The FAA said exceptions will be made for medical evacuations and law enforcement operations as the investigation into the recent midair collision continues.
Jan 31, 2025 at 12:04 PM EST
Former FAA manager defends air traffic control practices amid crash blame
Michael McCormick, a former FAA air traffic manager and associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, defended the air traffic control profession, calling it a "meritocracy" where only the best candidates are selected.
Speaking to CNN on Friday, McCormick addressed comments made by Trump, who blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies for the recent fatal midair collision between an American Airlines flight and a US Army Blackhawk helicopter.
McCormick stressed the rigorous selection, screening, and training process air traffic controllers go through, emphasizing that they are highly qualified. He also addressed the practice of controllers working two positions simultaneously, noting that this can actually be beneficial, as it allows for direct communication with both aircraft involved, potentially reducing the need for constant coordination between multiple controllers.
Jan 31, 2025 at 11:50 AM EST
New angle of Black Hawk crashing into plane raises questions
Two new videos of the American Airlines plane crash have raised more questions about how the deadly incident occurred.
The videos, obtained by CNN, show the Army Black Hawk helicopter flying directly at the passenger plane at speed in what appears to be good visibility.
This crash has caused concern about the Federal Aviation Authority's (FAA) capacity for controlling airspace, especially as Elon Musk had reportedly demanded the resignation of FAA head Michael Whitaker just days before the crash.
The president has so far blamed diversity measures in the FAA for why the crash happened, without elaborating.
An investigation is underway. However, as with every disaster, it takes time to get a comprehensive picture of the events, and investigators will want to be sure they understand fully what happened before they release their findings.
Read the full story by Sophie Clark on Newsweek.
Jan 31, 2025 at 11:30 AM EST
Josh Hawley calls for suspension of military helicopter exercises in Reagan airspace
Senator Josh Hawley voiced concerns on Twitter regarding the safety of military helicopter training exercises conducted in the same airspace as commercial airliners.
Jan 31, 2025 at 11:16 AM EST
41 bodies recovered from plane crash in Potomac River
The DC Fire and EMS Department confirmed that 41 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of a plane crash in the Potomac River.
The recovery efforts resumed at sunrise today, with divers continuing to search for additional victims.
The crash, which occurred Wednesday night, involved an American Eagle regional jet and a US Army Blackhawk helicopter. The American Eagle plane carried 64 people, while the Blackhawk helicopter had three on board. All individuals aboard both aircraft were killed in the collision.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has joined the recovery operation, continuing to investigate the cause of the tragic incident.
Jan 31, 2025 at 11:03 AM EST
NTSB reaffirms commitment to unbiased investigation into deadly collision
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spokesman Todd Inman assured that the agency's investigation into the recent midair collision will remain free from outside political influence. Responding to questions about potential pressure from government officials, Inman emphasized the NTSB's commitment to maintaining bipartisan integrity and independence.
"The reason why we've been able to go 24 years without a major crash like this is because we take our work seriously," he said in an interview with CNN News Central's Kate Bouldman.
Inman spoke to the board's long-standing reputation for thoroughness, pointing to the NTSB's 15,000 recommendations and an 84% success rate in having them adopted.
Jan 31, 2025 at 10:46 AM EST
NTSB to investigate role of staffing in deadly midair collision
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will examine whether staffing issues contributed to Wednesday's fatal midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter.
Former NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt discussed the ongoing investigation on CBS Mornings Friday, noting that air traffic controllers often combine positions based on workload, but the investigation will determine if this had any impact on operations.
Sumwalt emphasized that the plane's recovered black boxes, along with air traffic control and radar data, will be crucial to understanding the events. He pointed out that radar data, combined with pilot-controller communications, will be key to determining the exact locations of both aircraft and the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
Jan 31, 2025 at 10:30 AM EST
Elon Musk backs Trump’s FAA changes, calls Biden-era hiring ‘insane’
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Billionaire Elon Musk has expressed support for President Donald Trump's plans to review hiring decisions made by the Federal Aviation Administration, calling the Biden administration's hiring practices "insane" after a plane crash in Washington, D.C.
Newsweek contacted Trump's spokesperson and Musk via the press office for X, formerly Twitter, for comment by email.
On Wednesday, a plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members had a midair collision with a Black Hawk Army helicopter. The flight had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, and was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided with the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, which was on a training flight with a crew of three based in Virginia's Fort Belvoir.
Officials reported on Thursday that all 67 people involved were dead, and an investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Upon his return to office, Trump pushed to remove all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from federal programs, and during a news conference on Thursday, he suggested diversity hiring programs were to blame for the collision. He did not provide evidence to support his claims.
Read the full story by Matthew Impelli on Newsweek.
Jan 31, 2025 at 10:17 AM EST
FAA slows flights into Reagan National after heavy traffic and low clouds
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) briefly paused some flights into Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport this morning due to heavy traffic volume.
Although air traffic resumed after about an hour, the agency continued to slow flights into the airport due to low cloud ceilings.
The mid-air collision on Wednesday has raised concerns about air traffic management at Reagan National, where military flights frequently complicate the work of air traffic controllers.
Jan 31, 2025 at 10:03 AM EST
D.C. area municipalities urge public to report potential crash debris safely
Local authorities in the Washington, D.C. area are advising residents to avoid handling suspected debris from the recent crash. The Alexandria, Virginia government shared guidance from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, emphasizing the importance of reporting any findings.
The advisory urges individuals who come across possible debris in the Potomac or Anacostia Rivers, or along the shores, to call 911 immediately. It also cautions against touching or removing any items to ensure the safety of the public and support the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.
Jan 31, 2025 at 09:41 AM EST
DC Fire and EMS continue search efforts following aircraft incident
The DC Fire and EMS Department has announced that its investigation and recovery efforts remain active after an aircraft incident.
Divers have already searched all accessible areas, and tomorrow, they will collaborate with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for further searches to locate aircraft components.
These efforts are intended to support the ongoing investigation and begin operations to salvage the aircraft.
Jan 31, 2025 at 09:28 AM EST
Sen. Peter Welch responds to Trump’s comments on national tragedy
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Senator Peter Welch expressed shock and disbelief over Trump's comments regarding the recent mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a Blackhawk helicopter. In an interview with CNN, Welch described the remarks as "absolutely false" and "cruel," particularly given the emotional suffering of the 67 families affected by the tragedy.
"I was really shocked on a human level that there would be such disregard for the emotional tragedy and suffering of the families," he said.
Welch also suggested that Trump's stance on everyday issues, such as his approach to the price of eggs during his presidency, would benefit the Democratic Party.
He argued that as Americans recognize the falsehoods in Trump's concerns for everyday people, the Democratic push for helping the public would gain more support. Additionally, Welch called on Republicans to join Democrats in advocating for ordinary Americans, criticizing Trump's disregard for the tragedy and pointing out the harm caused by policies during his term.
Jan 31, 2025 at 09:16 AM EST
Trump says Blackhawk helicopter was flying too high, surpassing limit
Trump took to Truth Social to criticize the flight path of a Blackhawk helicopter involved in the crash, saying that it was flying "far above the 200-foot limit."
Jan 31, 2025 at 08:57 AM EST
Did FAA reject air traffic controllers based on race? What we know
Complaints about the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) hiring policy have resurfaced following the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport aircraft disaster, including claims that candidates were rejected based on race.
Newsweek has contacted the FAA for comment via email.
Details surrounding the midair collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter, which left as many as 67 people dead, are still emerging. President Donald Trump has suggested diversity hiring programs were to blame, though he did not provide evidence to support his claims.
Scrutiny over the FAA's hiring policies was raised years before Wednesday's accident near Reagan National Airport.
A major class-action lawsuit has been filed against the federal agency over claims that applications for air traffic controllers were rejected based on race.
The original lawsuit was filed on behalf of Andrew Brigida, who claimed the FAA under the Obama administration dropped a skill-based system for hiring air traffic controllers (ATCs) and replaced it with a "biographical assessment," which was allegedly used to attract more minority applicants.
Brigida, who is white and scored 100 percent on his training exam, said he was discriminated against because of his race when his application was rejected.
In January 2014, Brigida received an email informing him that the FAA was "implementing changes to improve and streamline" the hiring process for air traffic controllers and that his application was "impacted" by these changes, according to William Perry Pendley, an attorney and president of the Mountain States Legal Foundation, the firm handling the lawsuit.
The Mountain States Legal Foundation is representing hundreds of people from different racial backgrounds who say they were discriminated against under the FAA's hiring policy.
Read the full story by Ewan Palmer on Newsweek.
Jan 31, 2025 at 08:44 AM EST
Air traffic controller handling two roles during deadly crash
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An air traffic controller was coordinating both local plane and helicopter traffic at the time of Wednesday's deadly midair collision, a responsibility typically handled by two separate controllers at Reagan National Airport. The controller was managing both tasks simultaneously when the crash occurred, CNN reported.
While air traffic controllers are trained to manage multiple positions, the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association explained that this practice is more common during slower periods. However, handling both roles during a busy time may have contributed to the incident.
Jan 31, 2025 at 08:30 AM EST
Former Black Hawk pilot says helicopter needed more crew members
Concerns are growing about whether the Black Hawk helicopter involved in Wednesday's deadly midair collision was adequately staffed. Elizabeth McCormack, a former Black Hawk pilot, said, per CNN, that the crew of three was insufficient for navigating the crowded airspace near Reagan National Airport.
McCormack explained that with limited visibility from the front of the helicopter, having only one crew chief to monitor the rear was problematic.
"If you only have one crew chief, how much can you clear?" she said, suggesting that this staffing issue may have contributed to the crash.
Jan 31, 2025 at 08:15 AM EST
Victims of midair collision included skaters, hunters, and crew
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The 67 victims of Wednesday's midair collision included figure skaters, duck hunters, airline crew members, and Army soldiers. Families have begun confirming losses as officials work to identify all those aboard.
Several skaters and their families were returning from a U.S. Figure Skating camp, including six people tied to the Skating Club of Boston. Among them were young skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, their mothers, and former Russian champion coaches Yevgeniya Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
A group of seven friends returning from a Kansas duck hunting trip were also among the victims, including Michael Stovall and Jesse Pitcher.
The American Airlines crew lost four members, including pilot Jonathan Campos, co-pilot Sam Lilley, and flight attendant Danasia Brown Elder.
Three soldiers aboard the Army's Black Hawk helicopter also died, though their names have not been released.
Other victims included two Chinese nationals and Philippine police official Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr., who was in the U.S. for an equipment inspection.
Jan 31, 2025 at 08:04 AM EST
Trump launched FAA diversity program to hire people with disabilities
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President Donald Trump condemned a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiative to hire people with disabilities in the wake of the Washington, D.C., plane collision, despite a similar initiative being launched during his first term in office.
Newsweek has contacted the White House and the FAA for comment via email outside of regular working hours.
Trump pushed to remove all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from federal programs upon his return to office. During a Thursday press conference, Trump suggested diversity hiring programs were to blame for the collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, but did not provide any evidence to support his claims.
Read the full article by Ewan Palmer on Newsweek.
Jan 31, 2025 at 07:52 AM EST
China, Philippines confirm nationals among victims of crash
Two Chinese nationals were aboard the American Eagle jet involved in Wednesday's deadly collision, the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. confirmed, without providing further details. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended condolences and urged U.S. officials to expedite search efforts and determine the cause of the crash.
Among the victims was Philippine police official Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr., who was in the U.S. to inspect equipment for the national police. His death is a "profound loss," police spokesperson Col. Randulf Tuaño said, praising his dedication and integrity.
Jan 31, 2025 at 07:39 AM EST
California airport could lose all air traffic controllers this week
The San Carlos Airport in California is at risk of losing all its air traffic controllers within days due to a contract dispute with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Amid the dispute, the airport is considering the temporary use of unstaffed tower procedures.
Public concerns over air safety have risen after a deadly collision between an American Airlines plane and Army helicopter just outside of Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night, killing all 67 people aboard the two aircraft.
If San Carlos Airport loses its air traffic controllers, and air traffic towers are forced to go unmanned, it could create safety issues in the event of technical failures or poor weather conditions. These concerns are particularly relevant at busy airports like San Carlos, where pilots have reported heavy air traffic.
Airport manager Gretchen Kelly said in a statement that San Carlos Airport (SQL) could no longer have air traffic controllers guiding planes in and out of the airport by Saturday after the FAA changed contracts to a controller firm, Robinson Aviation (RVA), with lower pay that does not "account for the high cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area."
Kelly added that all the airport's controllers have declined RVA's offers and have resigned. Air traffic control services are currently provided to the airport by Serco.
"As a contingency, RVA is preparing to bring in controllers from other towers across the country to prevent an ATC-Zero (unstaffed tower) situation on Saturday," she said.
Read the full article by Martha McHardy on Newsweek.
Jan 31, 2025 at 07:23 AM EST
Black Hawk may have strayed from flight path before deadly collision
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The Black Hawk helicopter involved in Wednesday's fatal midair collision reportedly may have been flying outside its approved route, at a higher altitude than permitted, and at least half a mile off course, The New York Times reported, citing sources briefed on the matter.
If confirmed, this deviation raises concerns about compliance with flight regulations. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a former Black Hawk pilot, noted the helicopter was under visual flight rules and responsible for maintaining separation. She stressed the need to determine which aircraft veered off course before the crash.
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