Federal investigators have recovered major portions of both aircraft involved in the January 29 midair collision between a PSA Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River, marking significant progress in their investigation of the incident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed that all major pieces of the Bombardier CRJ700, operating as American Airlines flight AA-5342, and the military UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter have been retrieved from the Potomac River and transferred to a secure facility at Reagan National Airport for detailed examination.
According to updated information from investigators, air traffic control data showed the Black Hawk helicopter was flying at approximately 300 feet when the collision occurred at 8:47 p.m. ET. The commercial flight was arriving from Wichita, Kansas, when the incident took place.
The investigation has brought together multiple agencies and organizations, including the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Army, and various aviation industry stakeholders. The NTSB has also received support from the FBI’s dive teams and the Naval Sea Systems Command Supervisor of Salvage and Diving in the recovery efforts.
Investigators are currently analyzing both aircraft’s cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, though they note that the Black Hawk’s flight data recorder lacks timestamps, requiring additional validation work. The examination includes detailed documentation of witness marks on the aircraft structures that could provide crucial information about the collision angle.
The NTSB is conducting a thorough examination of all recovered components, including the Traffic Collision Avoidance System and various avionics from both aircraft. The investigation also encompasses reviews of maintenance records, crew training logs, and interviews with air traffic controllers.
Moreover, the agency is utilizing advanced technology in its investigation, including TopoBathy lidar surveys conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to identify underwater debris. This specialized equipment uses green laser pulses to collect elevation data both above and below the water surface.
While the investigation continues, the NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days of the accident. However, the final report, which will include the probable cause and contributing factors, is not expected for 12 to 24 months.
The incident has drawn significant attention from aviation experts and industry stakeholders, with fifteen organizations participating in the investigation as official parties, including PSA Airlines, General Electric Aerospace, and Sikorsky Aircraft. International participation includes representatives from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, working alongside various technical advisors.
As the investigation progresses, investigators continue to analyze air traffic control communications, radar data, and flight recorder information to establish a detailed timeline of events leading up to the collision. The NTSB emphasizes that all aspects of the incident remain under investigation.
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