On Wednesday, a tragic Washington DC plane crash occurred when an American Airlines flight collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. The incident took place while the flight was attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This collision brings to mind a similar tragedy that occurred 43 years ago, when a commercial plane crashed shortly after taking off from Washington National Airport, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The 1982 Washington DC Plane Crash: A Historical Tragedy
The FAA recalled a notable Washington DC plane crash from January 13, 1982, involving Air Florida Flight 90. This Boeing 737-200 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Washington National Airport. The flight, bound for Fort Lauderdale, collided with the 14th Street Bridge before plummeting into the icy waters of the Potomac River.
Tragically, all 70 passengers and four crew members on board were killed, along with four individuals in vehicles on the bridge. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that the accident resulted from multiple factors, including the failure of the flight crew to de-ice the aircraft and the captain’s decision to proceed with takeoff despite hazardous conditions.
What Happened on Wednesday? Washington DC Plane Crash Update
Fast forward to Wednesday, when another Washington DC plane crash unfolded. An American Airlines flight, with 64 people on board, collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The military helicopter, operated by the U.S. Army, was involved in the crash, which caused the regional jet from Kansas to crash into the Potomac River, near Washington D.C.
According to officials and news reports, the FAA and American Airlines confirmed the incident. A major emergency response operation was launched, and all flights were grounded as authorities worked to assess the situation.
Casualties Involved in the Washington DC Plane Crash
The American Airlines aircraft involved in the Washington DC plane crash had 60 passengers and four crew members on board. Additionally, three soldiers were aboard the U.S. Army helicopter. While initial reports suggest that 18 bodies have been recovered from the crash site, official confirmation on the total number of casualties is yet to be made by authorities.
Ongoing Investigation and Response
As the investigation into this Washington DC plane crash continues, both the FAA and the NTSB are looking into the cause of the collision between the American Airlines flight and the Black Hawk helicopter. With emergency operations underway, the families of those affected are waiting for updates from the authorities.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation, even in heavily regulated airspace like that of Washington, D.C. The cause of this Washington DC plane crash will be thoroughly examined to ensure future incidents like this are prevented.
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