Black Box from American Airlines flight recovered amid ongoing recovery of 28 bodies; What we know so far?

New Delhi: A passenger jet collided with an Army helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, resulting in both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River.

Collision Details

On January 30, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded as a passenger plane and a Black Hawk helicopter collided during their approach to the airport. The crash site, visible from the airport, became a focal point for emergency responders and investigators. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the icy waters of the Potomac.

Recovery Operations Underway

In the aftermath of the crash, a large-scale recovery operation commenced immediately. Washington fire chief John Donnelly characterized the effort as "highly complex," involving multiple boats and diving teams searching for victims and wreckage. As of Thursday, authorities had recovered 28 bodies from the river, including all three soldiers aboard the helicopter. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed during a White House news conference that there were no survivors from either craft.

Investigation Insights

Authorities have begun analyzing one of the "black box" recorders retrieved from flight AA5342. This crucial device contains both flight data and cockpit voice recordings, which are expected to provide vital insights into the circumstances leading up to the collision. A report from the Federal Aviation Administration indicated that only one air traffic controller was managing both helicopter traffic and incoming planes at the time of the crash. Although initial assessments suggested staffing levels were "not normal," sources later clarified that they were indeed at standard levels for that time.

Passenger Demographics

Among those on board the passenger jet were members of the Skating Club of Boston returning from a development camp following the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita. Additionally, three students from Fairfax County schools and six parents were also among the deceased.

President's Remarks

During his remarks, President Trump implied that the crash might have been preventable, attributing blame to directives from previous administrations regarding hiring practices at the FAA. He stated, "They actually came out with a directive: 'too white.' And we want people that are competent," suggesting that past policies may have compromised safety.

As recovery efforts continue and investigations unfold, this incident marks one of the most significant aviation tragedies in the United States since 2009. The focus now shifts to understanding how such a catastrophic event could occur and ensuring measures are put in place to prevent future tragedies.