Major Wreckage Cleared from Potomac River After Midair Collision -

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10th Feb 2024, WASHINGTON, D.C. — Officials have cleared the major wreckage from the fatal midair collision between an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that the debris has been moved to a secure airport facility for further examination.

The crash, which occurred on January 29, claimed 64 lives aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 and three crew members on the military helicopter. The commercial flight was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, while the Black Hawk was on a training mission from Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Among the victims were at least 28 passengers returning from a figure skating training camp following the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Many were young Olympic hopefuls, along with their families and coaches, according to U.S. Figure Skating.

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Investigators have retrieved the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the commercial plane and expect full data recovery. However, the cause of the collision remains unclear.

Air traffic control data indicated that the Black Hawk was flying at 300 feet at the time of impact—100 feet above the 200-foot ceiling generally required under federal aviation rules for helicopters. The NTSB is analyzing additional wreckage to verify the flight path.

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The crash has raised questions about aviation safety protocols, especially in congested airspace near major airports. Authorities are urging patience as the investigation continues, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly reviewing all evidence before concluding.

The incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent U.S. history. Officials vow to provide updates as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation.

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