Black Boxes recovered from wreckage site of Potomac river in DC where an AA liner and Black Hawk collided in mid air killing 68 aboard and the soldiers - Worst aviatation disastyer since 2001 in US - Two Indans among dead
Black Boxes found from the wreckage of both the American Airlines passenger liner and the Black Hawk helicopter mid-air collision over the Potomac River in Washington DC, near Reagan International Airport – No survivors – Two Indian Americans dead
A GE aerospace engineer Vikash Patel and Ms. Azra Raza Hussein feared dead - Both Indian americans.
Indiana University alum among those killed in American Airlines crash over Washington DC.
DC.
By TN Ashok. Washington, Jan 31, 2025
Here is the latest update on the worst ever mid-air collision in US aviation history since 2001.
An American Airline passenger and a military Black Hawk helicopter were involved in a mid-air collision and the wreckage fell into the Potomac River in DC from where bodies are being recovered.
• Investigation underway: The National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the probe into the collision, said the plane’s flight data and voice recorders, known as black boxes, have been recovered. The agency hopes to have a preliminary report ready within 30 days. Experts say both the pilots aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 and the military pilots in the Black Hawk would have been used to navigating the complex airspace, and the head of the nation’s air traffic controller's union said it’s too soon to speculate on a cause.
No survivors: President Donald Trump said there were no survivors after last night’s midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter in the Washington, DC, area — the deadliest since 2001. Trump also, without evidence, placed blame on Democratic policies.
• Recovery operation: Efforts have been suspended for the night with at least 14 people still missing. Dozens of bodies have been removed from the Potomac River, where the aircraft crashed after the collision, multiple sources tell CNN. The plane, flying from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 64 people, while three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.
A groom-to-be pilot, daughter of Indian immigrants and figure skating champions are among DC air collision victims.
TOP ROW> Jonathan Campos, Ian Epstein, Jinna Han, Samuel Lilley and Spencer Lane. Bottom row: Christine Lane, Grace Maxwell, Vadim Naumov, Asra Hussain Raza and Evgenia Shishkova Obtained by CNN
All 67 passengers on board the American Airlines regional jet flying from Wichita in Kansas city to DC and US Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided midair Wednesday night are presumed dead – a grim tragedy that has left a heartbreaking trail of mourning families in its wake.
The somber day will be remembered as the deadliest aviation disaster in the US since 2001.
As details of the disturbing catastrophe emerge and additional bodies are identified, the full weight and impact of the lives lost grows heavier., a CNN report said.
GE aerospace employee among victims of DC plane crash
A GE Aerospace employee Vikesh Patel is among the victims of the DC plane collision on Wednesday, Larry Culp, chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace confirmed to CNN affiliate WXIX. “This is a tragedy not only for our industry, but also for the GE Aerospace team as one of our cherished colleagues was onboard the flight. Our hearts are with all the families impacted by this horrific accident,” the company said in a statement shared on its social media.
Father of three from Connecticut identified as plane crash victim
Casey Crafton, a father of three from Salem, Connecticut, was among those killed in Wednesday night’s plane crash over the Potomac River, according to Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont. “Salem has lost a dedicated father, husband, and community member. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Lamont said in a post on X.
Montville Youth Soccer Club, where Crafton volunteered, released a statement saying he “helped to enrich the lives of all those that he came in contact with. Our deepest condolences go out to his family during this tragic time.”
Salem CT Little League also posted a tribute saying, “Our small town is heartbroken by a devastating tragedy involving one of our beloved Little League members. The Crafton family, deeply involved in all things Salem, has suffered an unimaginable loss.”
DC Fire Fighters Association president describes team's encounter with finding victims inside plane
When a direct line with Reagan National Airport rang on Wednesday night, first responders answering the call expected to hear about a flight in distress. “This time it rang, and it just said ‘crash, crash, crash,’” David Hoagland, President of the DC Fire Fighters Association, said. “So our members hit the pavement, went running for the boat when they were on the pier getting onto the boat, they could see debris falling from the sky,” he added. “They’ve been working ever since.”
Hoagland said his members started encountering wreckage in the water and immediately started finding victims. “It’s graphic. They encountered people inside the plane still strapped in their seats, and they weren’t able to remove them right away,” Hoagland said.
Though the water was clear and only eight feet deep, Hoagland said that his rescuers were cutting their wetsuits in debris. “Today, a lot of the effort has been focused on removing people from inside the plane who they were not able to remove last night, as well as just continuing to scan the entire area to see who they can locate.”
Two legal associates are identified as victims of DC plane collision
Sarah Lee Best and Elizabeth Anne Keys, associates at the law firm Wilkinson Stekloff, were confirmed to be among the victims of the plane collision in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.
“We are heartbroken by this terrible tragedy. Liz and Sarah were cherished members of our firm — wonderful attorneys, colleagues and friends,” the firm said in a statement.
Keys, a 33-year-old Cincinnati native was traveling aboard the flight from Wichita, Kansas, her family confirmed. The crash occurred on what would have been her birthday, the outlet reported. “Words cannot express how deeply Elizabeth, my Bitsy, will be missed. We are filled with unbearable sorrow and despair at our loss,” her family wrote in a statement.
A 2010 valedictorian of Madeira High School, Keys went on to graduate from Tufts University, where she was a standout member of the varsity sailing team. She earned her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, according to her social media.
She was remembered as an exceptional lawyer who brought “fearlessness, humor, and sharp wit to work every day, no matter the setting or circumstances.” Best, who joined the firm last fall, was described as someone who “quickly energized us all with her boundless curiosity, kindness, and intelligence.”
United States is ‘gold standard’ for aviation safety: Aviation union
A union, that represents aviation professionals, said in a statement that the United States is the “gold standard” for aviation safety. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) said that they are joining all Americans in expressing their condolences for the 67 people that lost their lives on Wednesday night.
“As we await more information from the ongoing investigations, our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and military members and their families, as well as the first responders who were on scene,” read a statement on their official website.
“NATCA stands with the highly trained, highly skilled air traffic controller workforce and those who perform safety-critical work 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, 365 days-a-year and keeps the United States as the gold standard for aviation safety,” it added.
Dashcam footage shows moment passenger plane collides with Army Black Hawk helicopter
Dashcam video obtained by CNN shows the dramatic moment American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday night. The video was taken by a family who was on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling when they witnessed the collision. In the video, a bright orange flash is seen in the sky before multiple fragments are seen falling towards the ground. Voices in the background can be heard saying “what happened,” “oh my god, oh my,” before the video cuts off.
The family who took the video told CNN that they wished to remain anonymous as they were “traumatized” by the incident. They said that “they’re praying for the families of the victims and first responders,” adding that they hope the video “helps with the investigation.”
12-year-old figure skating prodigy identified as plane crash victim
Olivia Ter, a 12-year-old figure skater celebrated for her exceptional talent and her ability to inspire those around her, is being remembered as an endearing influence among her peers.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County confirmed Thursday night that Ter was among the victims of the DC plane crash. Ter was one of four highly accomplished youth skaters from the region chosen to attend a development camp in Wichita, Kansas, according to an M-NCPPC statement.
“The impact of Olivia’s life will continue to resonate in our youth sports community, and she will be sorely missed,” said Bill Tyler, Director of the park and planning commission. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Ter family, friends, teammates, and all those affected by this devastating loss.”
“Olivia not only excelled in figure skating programs, but inspired others through her talent, determination and sportsmanship. Her passion for the sport and positive influence on her peers and coaches will not be forgotten,” M-NCPPC said.
Investigation will determine whether crew was wearing vision goggles, Army Aviation official says
Did the crew of Black Hawk helicopter wear night vision goggles, it's still not clearly known. But will be determined as part of the investigation, said Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff of an Army Aviation division. “The night vision goggles will enhance your vision so you can see better. And we also allow our pilots to fly unaided without the goggles at night,” Koziol said. “It’s dark over the water so it’s easier for them to see stuff with them on.”
Koziol could not share the names of the crewmembers, but said it was “a fantastic crew. Very experienced at what they were doing.” The pilot who had over 1,000 flight hours was “well thought of in their unit.” “The question is on altitudes now,” he continued. “With this proximity to the airport, there are control measures. There was a route. It is an FAA route that the aircraft can fly. And it just depends on if they had the reporting point, position, location and if they identified the aircraft.”
Crews searching Potomac River for missing people will likely contend with rainfall
Search parties continuing to look for missing people in the Potomac River will have to contend with expected rainfall across the greater Washington, DC, area Friday. Clouds have been increasing in the area as a storm currently soaking the Central US shifts to the East.
In the Washington, DC, area, rainfall is expected to begin early Friday and should persist through the day. The rainfall is expected to be accompanied by gusts potentially reaching 30 mph. Peak wind and rain is expected between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Winds should begin to die down by 9 p.m. Friday and rainfall will largely wrap up by midnight Saturday. Temperatures should be cool this weekend, with highs expected to remain in the mid to upper 40s. Monday’s high is expected to be in the 60s before dropping back to the low 50s for Tuesday. No rainfall is in the forecast for Washington, DC, until Wednesday.
A 16-year-old figure skater remembered as a “serious competitor” and his mother are among those killed in DC plane crash
Christine Lane, left, and Spencer Lane. From Christine Lane/@team.genia.vadim/Instagram
Spencer Lane, 16, started figure skating three years ago and was already a rising star in the sport who was expected to become a “serious competitor for the Olympic team,” a family spokesperson told CNN.
“Very few people in the skating world have any kind of success at all if they don’t start from birth, and he started when he was 13,” the spokesperson said, adding that Spencer was the only skater in the family.
Both Spencer and his mother, 49-year-old Christine Lane, were among those killed in the aircraft collision in Washington, DC, on Wednesday night while en route from Wichita, Kansas, to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, CNN previously reported.
After learning the tragic news, Spencer’s father Doug Lane took a train from his residence in Providence, Rhode Island, all the way to Washington, DC, Thursday afternoon, according to the spokesperson.
The 16-year-old attended high school in Rhode Island before leaving to devote himself to the sport full time, the spokesperson said. “He had developed an interest in skating and his family supported him all the way,” the spokesperson added.
Spencer was among the young skaters who attended the National Development Camp in Wichita after the US championships last weekend to work with coaches and top skaters.
He won this season’s Eastern Sectional competition in the intermediate division.
Spencer got his start with his skating career at Warwick Figure Skaters, the Rhode Island-based skating club said in a Facebook post honoring him.
“He was always a bright light at our rink. He was kind and a friend to so many of his fellow skaters. He was a fiercely determined and fearless skater, always challenging himself,” the club wrote.
At time of crash, one controller was working two tower positions, source says
There was one air traffic controller working two different tower positions at the time of the collision Wednesday night, an air traffic control source revealed. The source describes the set-up, which had one person handling both local and helicopter traffic, as not uncommon.
The New York Times, which first reported the detail, says an internal, preliminary Federal Aviation Administration internal report says staffing was “not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic.”
The Reagan National control tower is 85 percent staffed, the source said, with 24 of 28 positions filled.
The National Transportation Safety Board is just beginning its investigation and will look at a wide range of potential causes of the collision. It is too early to tell whether the tower staffing at the time played a role in the incident.
A government source familiar with the investigation tells CNN the airport control tower supervisor made the decision to combine the two roles Wednesday night, something they can do at their discretion when the air traffic volume is light. The source said there was no “staffing trigger” at the DCA tower, meaning they were not short-staffed.
US Army Corps of Engineers activates emergency response to help clear wreckage from Potomac River
The US Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District began supporting the effort to clear wreckage from the Potomac River on Thursday. David Adams/US Army
The US Army Corps of Engineers is helping local, regional and federal agencies clear wreckage from the Potomac River following the deadly collision Wednesday night.
The USACE’s Baltimore district has activated its emergency operations center, according to a news release Thursday. It’s working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving “to determine the key actions required to assist with recovery and salvage operations,” the release said.
“Preliminary analysis and assessment is currently underway, providing critical data that will assist in future operations,” the USACE said.
As part of the response and recovery efforts, USACE is providing two debris vessels to assist collecting debris on the river and removing ice at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling. USACE will also provide hydrographic surveying via “the BUCK,” a 26-foot survey vessel equipped with single and multi-beam sonars.
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for engineering solutions to our nation’s toughest challenges,” said Baltimore District Commander Col. Francis Pera. “We will continue to provide our best talent and technology as we conduct careful assessments of the disaster site, and with safety as our top priority.”
CNN investigation: Pilots reported near-misses with helicopters around DC airport before
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Search efforts are seen around the wreckage site in the Potomac River, early Thursday. Courtesy - AP
In the three years before the deadly collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines flight near Reagan National Airport, at least two other pilots reported near-misses with helicopters while landing at the airport, a CNN review of federal incident reports found.
On two occasions, passenger planes had to take evasive action to avoid colliding with a helicopter when trying to land at the airport, according to reports filed by pilots. In a third incident, two military helicopters got too close together, an air traffic controller reported.
The previous near-misses between planes and helicopters at DCA airport were detailed in NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System database, which records incidents reported by aviation personnel. The reports are filed anonymously and don’t identify specific airlines or flights.
In April 2024, a commercial passenger plane pilot wrote that while descending to DCA, the crew received a traffic alert and collision avoidance system alert showing a helicopter “about 300ft below us.” The crew “took evasive action,” according to the report, and then was able to land normally after passing above the helicopter.
In another incident in October 2022, a pilot of a passenger plane reported that while descending at DCA, the plane’s collision avoidance system alerted the crew to nearby “traffic” and directed them to “CLIMB NOW.” The aircraft aborted the landing, circled around, and successfully landed on the second try. “Upon review of the approach path and other information, we estimate we came within 300 ft. or less of what turned out to be a helicopter lifting off of the hospital,” the pilot wrote.
A third incident in the database, reported by an air traffic controller working at DCA, described an “airborne conflict” between two military helicopters near the airport in September 2022, although the exact details are unclear. The two helicopters got too close to each other at a time when “there isn’t enough staffing to fill all positions in the tower cab,” the controller wrote — referring to the cabin of the air control tower.
Both flight recorders recovered from American Airlines plane
The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder — known as black boxes — from the American Airlines plane have now been recovered, the National Transportation Safety Board told CNN.
Source : CNN
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