A military helicopter and plane collided near D.C. What to know.
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What happened in the helicopter and plane collision?
But first, an American Airlines plane collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River just outside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near D.C. last night. Authorities say the plane was a small commercial airliner coming from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. And the military helicopter had three people on board. A search effort involving local, state and federal authorities went into action overnight. But at a press conference this morning, D.C. 's fire and EMS chief John Donnelly said dozens of bodies had been recovered and it's believed there are no survivors.
What is the status of the search and recovery operation?
We are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. And we will continue to work to find all the bodies and collect them and reunite them with their loved ones.
Video of the incident shows two aircraft from a distance colliding and a bright fireball lighting up the sky. All flights from Reagan National Airport were grounded and the airport remained closed in the morning. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation to analyze the wreckage and understand what caused the crash.
What did video footage reveal about the incident?
The DC CBS affiliate spoke with a man whose wife was on the plane from Wichita. He saw on social media that something was going on at the airport. He appeared to be in shock as he spoke about what was happening.
I'm just praying that somebody's pulling her out of the river right now as we speak. That's all I can pray for. I'm just praying to God. When was the last time you spoke with her? She texted me that they're landing in 20 minutes.
Who were the victims of the crash?
Also reported to be on the plane were a group of competitive figure skaters from the United States and Russia returning from a skate camp in Kansas, along with their families and coaches. President Trump was briefed on the situation. In a statement, he thanked the first responders and said of the victims, may God bless their souls. Yesterday's crash happened on the first day of work for newly confirmed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. He spoke in his confirmation hearings about keeping America's skies safe. In particular, he said he would address the shortage of air traffic controllers.
What is the role of air traffic controllers in ensuring safety?
Safety will remain its top priority. America needs more air traffic controllers. Many of you have talked about that with me. We want the best and the brightest air traffic controllers.
For some time now, air traffic controllers have been saying that they are stretched too thin and overall understaffed. The New York Times reports this is an issue that dates back to the early 1980s and the Reagan administration. Over the last 10 years, the number of fully trained controllers has dropped 10%, while airport traffic has increased 5%. This area near Reagan National is one of the country's most complex airspaces, with domestic flights, military planes and other aircraft competing for space in close proximity. The Wall Street Journal reports the FAA began a review of its air traffic control operation weeks ago. That wasn't made public, but the department confirmed to the journal it was hiring an independent expert panel to review potential improvements. Still, experts say flying remains incredibly safe. It's been 15 years since the last major fatal plane crash involving a U.S. airliner. In 2009, a plane traveling from New Jersey to Buffalo, New York, crashed into a house.
Bye.
The confirmation hearing process continues today for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He's President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy built a sizable following over the years by questioning evidence about the safety of vaccines and spreading a number of falsehoods.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What happened in the helicopter and plane collision?
0:34–1:09
2
What is the status of the search and recovery operation?
1:09–1:42
3
What did video footage reveal about the incident?
1:42–2:06
4
Who were the victims of the crash?
2:06–2:41
5
What is the role of air traffic controllers in ensuring safety?
2:41–6:54
6
What were the key points from RFK Jr.'s confirmation hearing?
6:54–8:49
7
What issues were raised during the Senate questioning?
8:49–9:16
8
How does Kennedy's history with vaccines affect his nomination?
9:16–14:20
Speakers
4 identifiedMore from Apple News Today
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