Authorities are intensifying efforts to retrieve the wreckage of American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, which collided over Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, killing 67 people. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is analyzing data from the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder of the Bombardier CRJ700 jet, operated by PSA Airlines, a regional carrier of American Airlines.
Divers and salvage teams are working to recover additional wreckage from the Potomac River, hoping to uncover key evidence about the crash.
“Throughout the night, boats will remain on-site for security and ongoing surface searches with support from local, state, and federal agencies,” Washington’s fire department confirmed.
Air Traffic Control and Altitude Violations
Investigators are examining altitude violations and communication failures as possible causes of the collision.
- The Black Hawk helicopter was assigned a maximum altitude of 200 feet (61 meters) but reportedly flew at 300 feet when the crash occurred.
- Air traffic controllers warned the helicopter crew about the incoming jet and instructed them to change course.
- One air traffic controller was handling both local plane and helicopter traffic at Reagan National Airport, an unusual but permissible practice during low-traffic periods.
Both aircraft had experienced crews. The passenger jet pilot had six years of flight experience, while the three soldiers on board the helicopter were conducting an annual training mission. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that all flights from the involved Army unit have been suspended for further review.
Political Controversy and Public Response
The crash has triggered political debate, with President Donald Trump implying, without evidence, that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring policies may have contributed to the tragedy.
“We need to examine who is being hired and why,” Trump stated.
His comments faced immediate backlash from Democratic leaders and civil rights activists.
Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, criticized Trump’s claims:
“How can he make such accusations when the investigation has barely begun? The focus should be on supporting grieving families, not politicizing this moment.”
Victims and Global Impact
The crash claimed lives from multiple nationalities, including Russia, China, Germany, and the Philippines. Among the victims were young figure skaters and travelers from Kansas, where the flight originated.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin reported that authorities have recovered more than half of the victims’ bodies.
As the investigation continues, concerns about air traffic safety in congested areas like Washington, D.C., remain a key issue. Investigators aim to identify procedural failures and implement safety improvements to prevent future tragedies.
