US Restricts Helicopter Flights After Washington Crash, 'Black Boxes' Recovered

WASHINGTON, Jan 31 – U.S. authorities have implemented strict restrictions on helicopter flights near Reagan Washington National Airport following a tragic midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a military helicopter earlier this week. The crash, which claimed the lives of 67 people, occurred on Wednesday night when the two aircraft collided and plunged into the Potomac River, making it the deadliest U.S. air disaster in two decades.

Investigators have successfully recovered the helicopter's black box, which captures critical flight data and cockpit communications, providing crucial insights into the moments leading up to the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also retrieved the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the American Airlines plane, a CRJ700 aircraft. These recordings will aid investigators in understanding the sequence of events prior to the collision. Interviews have been conducted with air traffic controllers, including the sole controller on duty at Reagan’s tower at the time of the crash.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and NTSB member Todd Inman emphasized that speculation would be avoided until the inquiry is complete. The NTSB's role is to uncover the facts and implement safety recommendations to prevent future tragedies.

Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted most helicopter flights near Reagan to ensure the safety of aircraft operations in the area. Only police, medical helicopters, air defense, and presidential air transport are currently allowed to operate in certain sections of the airspace. These restrictions will remain in place until the NTSB releases a preliminary report, which is expected within 30 days.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom pledged the airline's commitment to working with authorities to enhance aviation safety.

Search and recovery efforts continue in the Potomac River, with 41 bodies recovered so far. The recovery operation will intensify on Sunday and is expected to continue for several days.

The crash has raised serious concerns about air safety, particularly regarding the staffing of air traffic controllers. The FAA is facing a significant shortage of controllers, with approximately 3,000 positions unfilled. On the night of the crash, a single air traffic controller was handling both plane and helicopter traffic at Reagan, a situation deemed inadequate for the volume of traffic.

The incident has also sparked discussions about the safety of military and commercial air traffic being separated by as little as 350 feet vertically and horizontally.

The victims of the crash included passengers from Russia, China, Germany, and the Philippines, as well as young figure skaters returning from a national training camp in Kansas. The crash occurred near one of the busiest runways in the United States, with ongoing delays and closures expected at Reagan National Airport.