Washington, D.C. In a tragic incident on Wednesday night, an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft.
The American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-701ER, was en route from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to Washington, D.C., carrying 64 passengers and crew members. The U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, operated by the 12th Aviation Battalion from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was conducting a routine night training mission.
Preliminary reports suggest that the helicopter may have been flying above its designated maximum altitude of 200 feet at the time of the crash. Data from the flight recorder indicates the plane was at 325 feet during the impact.
Among the victims were several members of the U.S. figure skating community, including coaches and young athletes returning from a national development camp. This tragedy has deeply affected the sports community, reminiscent of the 1961 plane crash that claimed the lives of the U.S. figure skating team.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered the flight data recorders from both aircraft and is conducting a thorough investigation. Initial findings indicate that the Black Hawk pilot may not have seen the American Airlines plane before the collision, possibly due to the crowded airspace and complex navigation corridors around Washington, D.C.
In response to the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed restrictions on helicopter traffic around Reagan National Airport, exempting only emergency and presidential helicopters. This measure aims to prevent future tragedies in the heavily trafficked airspace.
King Charles expressed his profound shock and sadness over the tragedy, extending his deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims. He also commended the emergency responders for their swift actions.
They As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on determining the exact cause of the collision and implementing measures to enhance aviation safety in the region.
Reference :-BBC,CNN,Washington post New York Times