A tragic midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River has claimed the lives of 67 individuals, marking the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster since 2001.

Investigations are underway to determine if miscommunication between air traffic control and whether the helicopter's route deviation contributed to the catastrophic event that led to such a devastating loss of life, as the Daily Mail reports.

As of Sunday, authorities have identified 55 of the victims, an increase from the previous tally. Efforts continue to recover the remains of the remaining 12 individuals. The victims included families, young athletes, a college student, and the entire crew, whose identities are being painstakingly confirmed.

Difficult Recovery Operations Underway

The complexity of the rescue operation, compounded by challenging underwater conditions, has been described as harrowing by divers and first responders.

More than 300 individuals are involved in the operation at any time, including the deployment of two Navy salvage barges to lift the wreckage from the river.

A diver from the local police department was treated for hypothermia but fortunately discharged from the hospital. A significant lifting operation is set for Monday to assist in extracting the wreckage for further evaluation.

Families of the crash victims visited the site on Sunday, traveling in ten chartered buses with police escorts. As they gathered near the scene, they exhibited a wide range of emotions, expressing both anger and despair as they sought comfort and answers from investigators.

Authorities are sensitive to their grief, as described by National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman, who noted the diverse emotional responses from the families, demonstrating the depth of their hurt.

Families Grieving, Seeking Answers

The Black Hawk helicopter’s potential route deviation is a key focus of the investigation. Early reports suggest it may have flown hundreds of feet outside its designated trajectory, moving significantly off course and at an altitude above 300 feet, when it should have been below 200 feet on “Route 4.”

A critical piece of the puzzle is the role of air traffic control at the time of the collision. A single air traffic controller was managing both commercial and military flights, even though this level of staffing is typically acceptable only after 9:30 p.m. The crash, however, took place before 9 p.m., prompting questions about why Reagan National Airport’s control tower was not adequately staffed.

A preliminary investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration noted unusual staffing levels for the time and traffic volume.

This understaffing is being scrutinized by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who raised alarms about the larger issue of air traffic control staffing challenges. Furthermore, lingering questions remain about the helicopter pilots and whether they employed night vision goggles during flight.

Air Traffic Control Under Scrutiny

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is at the helm of the investigation, expected to take at least a year to conclude. A preliminary report is anticipated within 30 days, as experts try to unravel the various elements of this complex case.

Regarding the scope of the investigation, Brice Banning, the investigator leading the efforts, highlighted the multitude of components they are analyzing. The team is diligently gathering data to piece together the events leading up to the collision.

Transportation Secretary Duffy also commented on the need for highly capable individuals in control towers to oversee airspace, emphasizing that longstanding staffing issues in air traffic control systems need addressing.

NTSB Leads Investigation Efforts

President Donald Trump made a noteworthy statement about the incident on Truth Social, underscoring the helicopter’s breach of altitude restrictions. His remarks reiterated concerns over the helicopter’s flight path deviation, which is a focal point in the ongoing investigation.

The crash, while devastating, fits into a historical context of aviation accidents. It stands as the most fatal U.S. air disaster since 2001, when American Airlines Flight 587 crashed in New York, resulting in 265 casualties. Despite this, American air travel maintains a strong record of safety, though incidents within crowded airspace like Reagan National’s highlight the challenges faced by pilots.

As recovery and investigation efforts continue, the dedication of those involved remains steadfast. Recovery personnel, despite the emotional and physical toll, are committed to bringing closure to grieving families and uncovering the truth behind this disaster.