WASHINGTON: Investigators have recovered the black boxes from a passenger jet and military helicopter that collided midair over the Potomac River, killing 67 people in a devastating crash late Wednesday.
Key Developments
- The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier jet operated by an American Airlines subsidiary have been retrieved and sent to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) labs for analysis.
- A staffing shortage at Reagan National Airport’s control tower may have been a contributing factor, with only one air traffic controller managing both civilian and military aircraft at the time.
- Over 40 bodies have been recovered so far, with ongoing rescue operations in the icy waters of the Potomac.
Crash Details
- American Eagle Flight 5342, carrying 64 passengers, was on approach to Reagan National Airport when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, which had three crew members aboard.
- The impact created a fireball in the night sky, and both aircraft plunged into the river, making rescue efforts difficult due to the freezing conditions.
- This marks the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. since 2009, when a Colgan Air crash near Buffalo, New York, killed 49 people.
Trump’s Controversial Comments
- President Donald Trump, in office for just 10 days, linked the crash to diversity policies during a White House press conference, blaming DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives for alleged declines in aviation standards.
- Trump accused former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama of enforcing hiring policies that prioritized diversity over competency, stating:
“They actually came out with a directive: ‘too white.’ And we want the people that are competent.”
- Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance, and Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, also echoed these claims, without evidence, suggesting DEI initiatives compromised aviation safety.
Political Backlash
- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called Trump’s remarks “despicable,” stating:
“As families grieve, Trump should be leading, not lying.”
- Senator Chris Murphy condemned Trump’s comments as “disgusting,” noting that the crash occurred under Trump’s administration.
- Despite criticism, Trump doubled down, issuing an official memo ordering an investigation into FAA hiring standards under Biden.
Victims & International Response
- Several U.S. figure skaters and coaches were among the victims, along with Russian skating champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
- China’s embassy confirmed that two Chinese nationals were also on board.
Next Steps
- The NTSB is leading the investigation, focusing on air traffic control staffing, flight paths, and communication records.
- Pentagon officials confirmed that the Black Hawk crew was undergoing a required night evaluation at the time of the crash.
- Preliminary findings are expected in the coming weeks, with a full investigation report anticipated within a year.
This tragedy has ignited political controversy and renewed focus on aviation safety regulations, even as families mourn the devastating loss.