All 67 victims of last Wednesday's tragic collision between an American Airlines regional plane and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River have been recovered, officials confirmed Tuesday.
The DS Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department stated that 66 of the victims have been identified, while efforts continue to confirm the final identity.
The crash, which occurred near Washington, DC's Reagan National Airport, claimed the lives of all 64 passengers and crew aboard American Eagle Flight 5342 and the three military personnel operating the Black Hawk.
According to The Independent, the plane was approaching its destination from Wichita, Kansas, when the collision took place at approximately 9 pm. The Black Hawk was conducting a routine training mission at the time.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary air traffic control data suggests the helicopter was flying at about 300 feet, exceeding the 200-foot altitude limit for helicopters in the area.
However, the NTSB stressed that additional information is needed from the Black Hawk's flight recorder, which has been retrieved from the river along with the American plane's data recorders.
Officials Tighten Air Traffic Regulations
Recovery teams have spent several days retrieving wreckage from both aircraft. Large portions of the regional jet, including the right wing, center fuselage, cockpit sections, tail cone, and other major components, have been lifted from the water.
Authorities have urged anyone who finds debris along the Potomac or Anacostia River shorelines to report it to emergency services rather than touch it, as it may aid the investigation and support affected families.
Following the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed an indefinite restriction on helicopter flights in the vicinity of the airport, CNBC said.
The Department of Transportation has also tightened regulations on air traffic along Route 4, a corridor frequently used by Black Hawk helicopters.
American Airlines has mobilized its CARE Team, a group of 2,000 trained volunteers, to assist the families of the victims.
CEO Robert Isom stated that the company remains committed to supporting those affected and announced a moment of silence to be observed on Wednesday, marking one week since the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, officials anticipate that a preliminary report will be released within 30 days.
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