The deadly collision could have been avoided—now the black boxes hold the key to the shocking cause.
WASHINGTON, JAN 31 – The black boxes from a tragic crash in Washington could finally explain why a plane and military helicopter collided, killing 67 people.
The American Airlines flight, with 60 passengers and 4 crew, was descending onto a runway when the helicopter, carrying 3 soldiers, crossed its path. The deadly crash happened less than 5km from the White House.
“The black boxes are in the lab,” said officials, as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) promised to leave “no stone unturned.”
Rescue teams found at least 28 bodies in the frozen Potomac River, but operations were suspended due to dangerous conditions. The US Coast Guard will help remove wreckage and recover more victims.
President Donald Trump called the crash “horrible” and suggested it could’ve been prevented.
Reports say a shortage of staff at the airport could be to blame, with only one air traffic controller on duty instead of the usual two. But an audio recording shows the controller told the helicopter pilots to avoid the plane.
