DC Plane Crash Black Boxes Recovered Amid Staffing Concerns
By: Wise News Network Staff
Washington, DC (WNN)— Officials confirmed that they recovered the black boxes from the passenger plane involved in a fatal midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that it transported both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder late Thursday night to one of its laboratories for evaluation. These devices may provide crucial insights into the cause of the crash.
Fatal Midair Collision
Flight 5342, operated by American Airlines, collided with a U.S. Army helicopter just before 9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. All 67 individuals aboard the two aircraft have tragically died in the incident. According to the NTSB, a preliminary report on the crash will be released within 30 days, although the full investigation is expected to take months. As authorities work to understand the cause of the collision, recovery efforts have intensified, and the public is awaiting answers.
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Ongoing Recovery Efforts
As of 5:30 p.m. ET Thursday, January 30th, at least 40 bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River following the midair collision, according to a law enforcement source cited by CBS News. Recovery operations are ongoing as authorities work to locate the remaining victims.
Specialized teams, including divers and sonar technology, are being used to assist in the recovery of bodies and wreckage from the river, which has posed significant challenges due to the difficult terrain and cold temperatures. Recovery crews have been working around the clock to bring closure to the families of the victims and ensure all remains are located.
Air Traffic Control Staffing Concerns
The crash occurred as the plane attempted to land at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday evening. Sources cited by CBS News revealed that only one air traffic controller was on duty at the time, despite standard operations typically requiring two controllers—one managing airplane traffic and the other handling helicopters. While Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations allow a single controller to perform both tasks, This is not ideal. Air traffic controllers play a crucial role in keeping flights safe at busy airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National. They need extra support to handle emergencies and manage the high number of flights, especially during peak times.
Looking more closely at the staffing levels of air traffic control could help explain what happened in this incident. In the past, having too few staff has caused delays and accidents, and this crash may lead to a review of staffing rules to prevent something like this from happening again. Air traffic control unions have been asking for more resources and better training to avoid mistakes during important situations.
Controller Left Early Before Crash
NBC News reported that an air traffic control supervisor at Reagan National Airport allowed a controller to leave their shift early before the collision occurred. This decision is now under scrutiny as investigators assess whether staffing levels played a role in the disaster.
Flight Number Retired
In response to the recent tragedy, American Airlines announced on Friday, January 31st. it would retire flight number 5342, a customary practice following major aviation incidents. Airlines usually stop using a flight number after a crash to avoid upsetting future passengers.
This practice is common among airlines to avoid evoking negative emotions among passengers and crew. However, there are exceptions; for instance, American Airlines continues to use flight number 1 despite its association with past accidents.
By retiring flight number 5342, American Airlines aims to honor the memory of the victims and prevent future passengers from associating the flight number with the recent tragedy.
Charlotte Community Mourns Loss
Captain Jonathan Campos, 34, was the pilot of the plane. His aunt, Beverly Lane, shared with The New York Times that her nephew had wanted to be a pilot since he was three years old. “I think he wanted to be free and be able to fly and soar like a bird,” Lane said. Campos’ memory lives on through the admiration of his family and colleagues.
At least four other individuals who perished in the crash had ties to the Charlotte area, either as residents or employees. Among them was Ian Epstein, a 53-year-old flight attendant based in Charlotte. Epstein was remembered by former colleagues for his vibrant personality and dedication to his work.
Danasia Elder, who had only recently joined the team in the previous year, was also among the victims, with colleagues sharing fond memories of her bright future. Jonathan Campos, a longtime pilot, was based in Charlotte but resided in Florida, commuting for work.
Sam Lilley, a second-generation pilot from Savannah, Georgia, was another victim. Known for his dedication to flying, he had been with PSA for years.
Lastly, Wendy Jo Shaffer, who was described as a radiant soul and devoted mother, also lost her life in the crash. Her husband, Nate, shared a heartfelt tribute to her on social media, calling her an “incredible wife, mother, and friend.” The Charlotte community is mourning the loss of these individuals as the investigation into the crash continues, with many remembering them for their contributions both in their personal and professional lives.
NTSB: Staffing a ‘Small Piece’ of the Investigation
J. Todd Inman, a member of the NTSB, told NBC’s “TODAY” show that air traffic control staffing is just one factor in the broader investigation. He noted that fluctuations in both flight activity and staffing levels are common and that low staffing does not automatically indicate a problem.
Investigators continue to examine all aspects of the crash as they work to determine what led to the deadly collision.
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