Horrific Mid-Air Collision Kills 67: Preliminary Report Released!
by Adam Israel in AviationThe National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is releasing its preliminary report today on the mid-air collision between a regional jet and a military helicopter on January 29 over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. All 67 people on board—64 on the American Airlines plane and three in the Black Hawk helicopter—died in the collision, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in the US since 2001. Investigators are examining data from both aircraft and air traffic control to determine the cause. Today's report will focus on factual information and will not identify a probable cause, which typically takes over a year to determine. The American Eagle flight 5342 was nearing landing when the helicopter struck the jet's right side at approximately 300 feet. Among the victims were three soldiers, four flight crew members, 28 figure skaters and family members, seven friends on a hunting trip, and other passengers. The report includes details about some of the victims, such as the Livingston family (parents and two daughters) and Captain Rebecca Lobach, the Black Hawk pilot. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will hold a news conference after the NTSB releases its report.
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