WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are examining the wreckage after an American Airlines plane and Black Hawk helicopter collided midair near Reagan National Airport (DCA), killing 67 people.
The crash happened on the evening of Jan. 29, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River below. Since the collision, crews have recovered and identified the remains of all 67 victims.
In an update on Thursday, Feb. 6, authorities said crews had removed all large, major wreckage components from the plane and jet and that the pieces would be taken to a secure location to be examined by investigators.
On Saturday, the NTSB said investigators were already working to examine and document the wreckage and would be looking for “witness marks” on the aircraft that could provide clues to the collision’s angle.
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NTSB crews continue their investigation by examining and documenting aircraft wreckage on Friday, Feb. 7. (Courtesy: The National Transportation Safety Board) -
NTSB crews continue their investigation by examining and documenting aircraft wreckage on Friday, Feb. 7. (Courtesy: The National Transportation Safety Board) -
NTSB crews continue their investigation by examining and documenting aircraft wreckage on Friday, Feb. 7. (Courtesy: The National Transportation Safety Board)
The agency also added that a “National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration TopoBathy lidar survey from a manned NOAA aircraft” was conducted Saturday morning and identified potential additional debris still in the river from the crash. Investigators use this survey to find and map wreckage that may be submerged underwater.
Divers investigated the potential debris Saturday and will continue to do so this week, according to the NTSB.
