Investigators are seeking clues into this week's deadly midair collision this week, the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. almost a quarter century.
The collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C, late Wednesday killed 67 people, including more than a dozen figure skaters. More than 40 bodies have been recovered.
At least one air traffic controller working during the crash has been interviewed, investigators say
At least one air traffic controller who was working at the time of the crash has been interviewed by investigators, National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said.
He said interviews are ongoing and it was unclear how many controllers were working at the time.
“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 said investigators would also examine staffing levels, training, hiring and other factors, in addition to looking at the records of all air traffic controllers involved.
Helicopter’s black box appears undamaged, NTSB says
The plane had two recorders. One, a flight data recorder, was in good condition. It was opened Friday, and its information is expected to be downloaded shortly, National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said.
Water had gotten inside the cockpit voice recorder, however. While that’s not unusual, it adds to investigators’ work to download the data.
The helicopter’s data is all held in one black box. It is now at the NTSB headquarters. While investigators have not attempted to open it yet, it appears to be undamaged.
Helicopter and plane’s flight data recorders are being reviewed, investigators say
The black box from the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with a commercial jetliner in Washington has been recovered, investigators say.
Investigators are reviewing the flight data recorder along with two from the plane as they probe the cause of the devastating crash.
Victims’ family members are getting assistance, NTSB member says
National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said he spent the past several hours with the victims’ families.
“They are one of our primary concerns, along with making sure we get factual information out,” he said.
He said there are now over 100 family members in the area receiving briefings and assistance.
Helicopters restricted near airport, with some exceptions
The area over the Potomac River and near Reagan National is now off-limits to most helicopters to ensure safety in the aftermath of the crash, the FAA said.
Exceptions include aircraft for medical emergencies, active law enforcement and air defense. Marine One, the presidential helicopter, is also exempt.
The restrictions are expected to continue at least until the National Transportation Safety Board finishes its preliminary report, expected within 30 days.
Operations remain disrupted at Ronald Reagan National Airport
Two of the three main runways at the airport remain closed because of the crash and recovery effort.
Terry Liercke, vice president and manager at Reagan National Airport, said 100 flights were cancelled Friday.