Crews are actively searching for debris from the tragic collision between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter near Washington. Early Saturday, a special plane equipped with laser technology scanned the Potomac River, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Earlier this week, major parts of both the jetliner and helicopter, as well as the remains of all 67 victims, were recovered. In the coming days, teams will focus on locating smaller debris, with the search expected to conclude within approximately one week.
The aerial scanning was conducted by a plane utilizing advanced laser technology, capable of penetrating the river’s surface to create a detailed map of the riverbed, aiding in the ongoing investigation.
The NTSB confirmed that this data will contribute to the investigation following the January 29 incident involving an Army helicopter and a commercial flight. Unfortunately, the collision resulted in no survivors.
In related news, President Donald Trump attributed the accident to what he described as an outdated computer system used by U.S. air traffic controllers and expressed a commitment to replace it.
During discussions with Congress, NTSB officials revealed that the helicopter’s advanced surveillance technology, designed to transmit essential location data to air traffic control, was not operational at the time of the collision.
Investigators are also examining the flight altitudes of both aircraft, specifically assessing whether the helicopter was operating within its designated 200-foot flight ceiling. A thorough analysis of the wreckage is crucial for obtaining accurate information about the incident.
This crash marks the deadliest aviation incident in the United States since November 12, 2001, when a jetliner crashed into a New York City neighborhood, resulting in a total of 265 fatalities.
