Search and recovery after crash on Potomac River
67 lost in worst airline crash in U.S. in over 20 years.
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Over 300 search and rescue crews, including the coast guard are on the scene searching for clues to help piece together how an American Airlines Jet and Blackhawk helicopter crashed into each other Wednesday night.
First responders and law enforcement confirmed there were no survivors.
DC Fire and Rescue Chief John Donnelly, reported that the U.S. military Blackhawk helicopter, with three soldiers on board was on a training mission. The American Airlines jet was en route from Wichita Kansas, carrying 60 engers and four crew and the jet was attempting to land at Reagan National Airport, known locally by its airport code, DCA
Conditions for first responders searching for crash victims near Reagan National Airport are extremely difficult,” said Chief Donnelly.
The Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the jet was carrying 64 souls while the Blackhawk was carrying three soldiers.
“The American Airlines flight coming into land was in a standard flight pattern coming into DCA. This was not unusual with a military aircraft flying over the river and an aircraft flying into DCA,” said Duffy.
Former Coast Guard Chief, Chris Chambers said this deadly midair collision is extremely rare, adding that this was a routine landing that should not have ended with fatalities.
“Anytime you have an incident of that magnitude, you’re going to have search and rescue from all over DC, Baltimore, the US Coast guard,” said Chambers. “I have extensive experience with the U.S. Coast Guard and I have heard there may be some communication issues with the air traffic controllers on a different frequency with rotary aircrafts.”
The crash, which happened in one of the busiest airspaces in the nation, is now being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Crews on the ground changed their search and rescue status from search and rescue to recovery.
“It takes quite a bit of time for the person in charge to deem the likelihood of survivability is very low,” said Chambers. “You take in the factors of the cold temps and the impact of crash - once you combine all those factors determinations can be made.”
In remarks from the White House, President Donald Trump said the nation was in mourning. He then proceeded to blame previous istrations, along with diversity, equity and inclusion policies for the accident.
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