Ari Schulman was driving home when he witnessed a tragic collision involving an American Airlines jet over the Potomac River. Schulman described seeing the plane banking sharply to the right, past 90 degrees, with sparks streaming underneath before everything went dark.
‘Complex’ Recovery Operation Underway
– National Transportation and Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy confirmed that there were no survivors from the collision, prompting a challenging recovery operation in the frigid waters of the Potomac River.
– DC Fire and EMS Chief Donnelly described the conditions as extremely rough, but officials are confident in their ability to recover all bodies.
– Dive teams are facing difficulties accessing parts of the plane’s fuselage due to the mangled wreckage, making the recovery effort extensive and involving multiple dive teams.
– The recovery effort is taking place in a 2.5m deep, dark, and murky section of the river, with floating ice pieces adding to the challenges.
– The American Airlines jet’s wreckage was found broken apart in three different sections in waist-deep water.
Near Miss a Day Earlier
– A regional jet had to abort its landing at Reagan Airport the day before the fatal crash due to a military helicopter in the vicinity, highlighting potential air traffic concerns.
– The Embraer E-175 executed a go-around maneuver after receiving a resolution advisory from its collision avoidance system, ensuring a safe landing later.
– One of the flight data recorders from the doomed CRJ 700 involved in the collision has been recovered, providing crucial insights for the investigation.
Air Traffic Control Details Revealed
– The air traffic control staffing at Reagan National Airport raised concerns, with reports indicating non-standard staffing levels for the time and traffic volume.
– The National Transportation Safety Board is initiating an investigation to explore various causes of the collision, including a possible connection to air traffic control operations.
– Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg condemned President Trump’s criticisms of air traffic controllers and diversity hiring practices, emphasizing the need for leadership in such tragedies.
Russian and US Figure Skaters On Board
– Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were among the passengers on the United Airlines flight, adding a poignant layer to the tragedy.
– The global figure skating community expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of figure skaters and their loved ones in the crash, highlighting the close-knit nature of the sport.
– The Skating Club of Boston, where Shishkova and Naumov are listed as professional coaches, mourned the loss along with US Figure Skating and Team USA athletes.
‘Everything was Standard’
– Transport Secretary Sean Duffy affirmed that the night of the crash was standard in terms of flight operations, with both civilian and military aircraft sharing airspace not uncommon in the DC area.
– Despite the tragic outcome, Duffy reassured the public about the safety of air travel, emphasizing the thorough investigation and safety protocols in place.
Conclusion
The collision between an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter over the Potomac River has left a devastating impact, claiming the lives of many passengers and crew members. As recovery efforts continue and investigations unfold, the aviation community mourns the loss of talented figure skaters and their companions aboard the ill-fated flight. The complex nature of the crash raises important questions about air traffic control operations, staffing levels, and safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
FAQs
1. What caused the collision between the American Airlines jet and the military helicopter?
– The exact cause of the collision is under investigation, with factors such as air traffic control operations, staffing levels, and pilot responses being scrutinized.
2. How did the aviation community react to the tragedy?
– The global figure skating community, along with organizations like US Figure Skating and Team USA, expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of figure skaters and their loved ones in the crash.
3. What reassurances have been provided regarding air travel safety?
– Transport Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the thorough investigation and safety protocols in place, assuring the public of the safety of air travel despite the tragic incident.