Officials have successfully retrieved the cockpit voice recorder, or black box, from the Army Black Hawk helicopter related to the plane crash at Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday. This incident, which led to the loss of 67 lives, involved a collision between an American Airlines flight carrying 64 passengers and the helicopter transporting three soldiers.
As search efforts proceed over the weekend, 41 bodies have been located, with 28 individuals identified. Efforts will continue until the wreckage can be lifted from the river, enabling further recovery of remains. Investigators are optimistic about extracting crucial data from the black boxes of both aircraft after ensuring they are free from moisture.
U.S. Navy personnel will spearhead salvage operations starting Saturday, while teams aim to catalog debris to understand the incident's dynamics. Over 500 responders are working tirelessly at the crash site. Key questions regarding air traffic control—especially concerning a single controller overseeing both helicopters and planes—will be thoroughly investigated, including staff performance leading up to the crash.
Despite various speculations about the causes, including comments from President Trump regarding safety and diversity hiring in the FAA, investigators emphasize their commitment to uncovering the truth and preventing future tragedies.
