American Airlines Pilots’ Desperate Attempt to Rescue Passengers Before Crash
American Airlines pilots tried to save passengers before a tragic crash with a military helicopter in Washington, D.C.
American Airlines, Washington D.C., Potomac River, Helicopter Collision, Aviation Disaster
Washington D.C.: A tragic crash occurred when American Airlines pilots tried to save their passengers. Their plane collided with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River.
Seconds before impact, the pilots pulled the plane’s nose up. Unfortunately, it was too late. The jet and the Black Hawk helicopter collided in the air.
The flight had 64 passengers and was coming from Wichita, Kansas. After the crash, both aircraft ended up in the water.
Sadly, no one survived the crash near Ronald Reagan Airport. The pilots’ last words were recorded: “That is something that we will get you more detail on.”
Investigators are looking into the crash. They found conflicting altitude readings for the jet and the helicopter at the time of the collision.
The flight recorder showed the jet at 325 feet, while the control tower had the helicopter at 200 feet. This difference is still unexplained.
This incident is the worst U.S. aviation disaster in nearly 25 years, claiming 67 lives. Investigators are working to understand the altitude differences using data from the helicopter’s black box.
Retrieving the black box is taking longer due to water damage. They also plan to refine the tower data, which can be less reliable.
So far, 42 bodies have been recovered from the river, with 38 positively identified. The recovery effort is tough due to the wreckage.
DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said they need to remove parts of the plane to recover the remaining bodies. Heavy salvage equipment is expected soon to assist in the operation.
The fuselage was found upside down in three sections in the river, which is about eight feet deep in some areas. Divers are using special tools to recover victims.