April 23, 2025 2:22 am
Full News

Black Box Recovered After Plane Crash in Washington

The black box has been recovered following a tragic collision between a commercial plane and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C., United States. Investigations are underway into possible faults, including a staffing shortage in the airport’s control tower. Typically, two staff members are on duty to manage air traffic in this region, but reports indicate only one person was present at the time of the accident, according to the British news outlet BBC.

CBS News, BBC’s U.S. partner, reported that the control tower at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., was understaffed, which may have contributed to the incident. A total of 67 passengers and crew from both aircraft were killed in the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has stated that a preliminary investigation report will be released within 30 days.

The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, commonly known as black boxes, are expected to provide crucial information about the cause of the crash. CBS News stated that the black boxes would be sent to an NTSB lab near the crash site for analysis.

According to a report by The New York Times, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) described the staffing shortage in its preliminary report as unusual. The FAA has been facing a recruitment crisis for key positions in recent years. However, sources mentioned that having a single staff member managing air traffic for helicopters and planes is not uncommon and does not violate guidelines.

The day after the crash, on Thursday, divers searched the icy waters of the Potomac River to recover bodies but had to suspend rescue efforts by evening due to hazardous conditions. The American Airlines plane carried 64 passengers traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., while the Army Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers on a training mission. So far, 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter.

During a White House briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims and expressed condolences to their families. “We can only imagine the immense pain you are enduring. Our hearts break with yours,” Trump said. He speculated that the FAA’s reduced standards for hiring air traffic controllers during the previous Democratic administration might have contributed to the crash, though he provided no evidence to support this claim.

Trump subsequently signed a memorandum to terminate the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program in the aviation sector. The DEI initiative aimed to increase workplace representation from diverse backgrounds. Supporters argue that it addresses historical or ongoing inequalities, but critics contend that it may itself be discriminatory. Trump also signed an executive order to appoint a new FAA chief.

The accident occurred on Wednesday night at 9 p.m. local time (Thursday at 2 a.m. Bangladesh time). American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was a Bombardier CRJ700 jet flying from Wichita to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River. The passenger jet broke into several pieces upon impact, while the helicopter capsized and remained submerged in the river.

Among the passengers on the plane were two young figure skaters, their mother, and two Russian coaches. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian media that several Russian citizens were on board the flight. “Today’s news from Washington is deeply saddening. We extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims,” Peskov said.

The helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60, was based in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and was part of the 12th Aviation Battalion, B Company. Newly appointed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called the incident a “tragedy,” emphasizing the devastating loss of 64 civilians aboard the plane and three soldiers in the Black Hawk helicopter.

Related News
Trump’s Third-Term Speculation Sparks Debate Amid Constitutional Limits
U.S. Calls for Justice Amid Bangladesh’s Political Unrest
President Trump Withdraws U.S. from World Health Organization
US Court Awards $42M to Abu Ghraib Torture Survivors
U.S. Intelligence Warns of Escalating Chinese Cyber Threats: Calls for Aggressive U.S. Action
Apple to Invest $500 Billion in the United States
Related Posts
Pope Francis’ Funeral on Saturday, Global Leaders to Attend
Israel to Hold Meeting on Next Steps in Gaza War
Trump to Award National Medal to Mothers with Six or More Children
U.S.-India Partnership Emphasized by Vance, Warns of a ‘Dark Era’ if It Fails
Why Are Immigrants in Canada Losing Their Work Permits?
IMF Lowers Global Growth Forecast
More News

Trump Lifts Restrictions on Household Water Use

U.S. President Donald Trump has repealed water usage limits for household activities such as bathing, washing dishes, doing laundry, and cleaning cars — restrictions previously imposed by former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden to prevent water wastage. On Friday, President Trump signed an executive order in the Oval Office in Washington. During a press […]

Japan, US, and South Korea Strengthen Alliance, Announce Creation of Trilateral Secretariat

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan, U.S. President Joe Biden, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit in Lima to discuss strengthening their cooperation. During their meeting, the leaders reached a consensus to establish a trilateral secretariat, aiming to enhance collaboration among the […]

Harris and Trump Tie in Dixville Notch Midnight Vote, Marking Start of Election Day

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump each received three votes in the first reported tally of the 2024 election, held in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. The tiny township, near the U.S.-Canada border, continued its tradition of opening and closing its poll just after midnight. Six voters, including four Republicans and two undeclared, […]

Former Child Star Rory Sykes Dies in Los Angeles Wildfires

Rory Sykes, who gained popularity as a child star on television shows, later becoming a motivational speaker, has tragically passed away in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. His mother, Shelley Sykes, confirmed the news. Rory was 32 years old. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Shelley shared the heartbreaking news on X (formerly Twitter), […]

Jackie Chan’s New Movie First Look Revealed

Jackie Chan’s latest action film, The Shadow’s Edge, has officially wrapped its principal photography. Directed by Chinese filmmaker Larry Yang, the film began shooting in October 2024 in Macau. The Shadow’s Edge marks the second collaboration between Chan and Yang, following their successful partnership on Ride On. Released in more than 30 countries, Ride On […]

Oscar Winners Return as Presenters for 97th Academy Awards

Los Angeles – Academy Award® winners Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Emma Stone will take the stage as presenters at the 97th Oscars®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today. The star-studded ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on Sunday, […]

Myanmar Junta and Opposition Agree to Extend Ceasefire Amid Earthquake Recovery Efforts

The ruling military junta in Myanmar and the country’s main opposition group, the National Unity Government (NUG), have agreed to extend the ceasefire that was initially declared on April 2. This ceasefire was announced to facilitate rescue operations and ensure the delivery of relief supplies following a devastating earthquake. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who […]

Iran unveils underground missile storage

Iran’s armed forces have recently conducted several combat exercises. Iran unveiled an underground missile storage on Friday, saying it was developing “new special missiles” there. CNN writes that Tasnim News quoted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as saying. A video aired on Iranian state television IRIB on Friday showed IRGC commander Major General Hossein […]

Russia’s Security Council Chief Arrives in Kabul for Talks with Taliban

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN — Nikolai Patrushev, the head of Russia’s Security Council, has arrived in Kabul for high-level discussions with the Taliban government. The visit marks a significant development in Russia’s engagement with Afghanistan, as both sides are expected to discuss security, regional stability, and economic cooperation. This is part of Russia’s broader strategy to strengthen […]

Polish PM Warns of Serious Global Conflict Risk Amid Escalation in Ukraine

Warsaw: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has issued a stark warning about the growing risk of global conflict, as tensions escalate following Russia’s missile strike on Dnipro and its threats of further retaliation. Speaking on Friday, Tusk described the situation as entering “a decisive phase” and cautioned that the threat of a global war is […]