เจ้าหน้าที่วอชิงตัน ดี.ซี. เผย 55 จาก 67 ผู้เสียชีวิตในอุบัติเหตุชนกลางอากาศได้รับการฟื้นฟูและระบุตัวตนแล้ว

<h1>Midair Collision Over the Potomac River: Recovery and Investigation Updates</h1>

<p>On January 29, 2025, a devastating midair collision occurred over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., resulting in one of the deadliest air disasters in the United States in nearly 25 years. Here is a comprehensive update on the recovery efforts, victim identification, and the ongoing investigation.</p>

<h2>Recovery and Identification of Victims</h2>

<p>As of February 2, 2025, authorities have reported that the remains of 55 out of the 67 victims have been recovered and identified.</p>

<ul>
    <li><b>Recovery Efforts:</b> The recovery process has been challenging due to the harsh weather conditions, including cold temperatures, strong winds, and icy waters. The operation involves more than 300 responders at any given time, with the assistance of two Navy salvage barges to lift heavy wreckage from the river.</li>
    <li><b>Identification:</b> As of Saturday afternoon, 42 bodies had been pulled from the river, with 38 positively identified. The remaining victims are expected to be recovered once the plane's fuselage is pulled from the water.</li>
</ul>

<h2>The Incident</h2>

<p>The midair collision involved an American Airlines flight, operated by PSA Airlines as Flight 5342, and a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.</p>

<ul>
    <li><b>American Airlines Flight 5342:</b> A Bombardier CRJ701ER with 64 people on board, including 60 passengers and 4 crew members. The flight was on final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas.</li>
    <li><b>U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter:</b> On a training mission with 3 soldiers on board.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Circumstances of the Collision</h2>

<ul>
    <li><b>Air Traffic Control:</b> Less than 30 seconds before the collision, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter crew if they had Flight 5342 in sight. The helicopter crew confirmed they could see the airliner and requested "visual separation," which was approved by the controllers. However, the helicopter was ordered to pass behind Flight 5342 just before the collision.</li>
    <li><b>Collision and Crash:</b> The collision occurred at 8:48 p.m. EST, resulting in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. The plane's radio transponder ceased transmitting about 2,400 feet short of the runway.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Investigation</h2>

<p>The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the collision.</p>

<ul>
    <li><b>Preliminary Data:</b> Initial data shows conflicting readings about the altitudes of the airliner and the helicopter. The jet’s flight recorder indicated an altitude of 325 feet (plus or minus 25 feet) at the time of the crash, while control tower data showed the Black Hawk at 200 feet, the maximum allowed altitude for helicopters in the area.</li>
    <li><b>Black Box Recovery:</b> The helicopter’s black box is waterlogged and is taking more time to retrieve. Investigators hope to reconcile the altitude discrepancy with data from this black box.</li>
    <li><b>Cockpit Voice Recorder:</b> The cockpit voice recorder captured the crew's verbal reaction and the sound of impact just before the crash.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Questions and Concerns</h2>

<p>Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has raised several questions about the crash, including staffing issues in the control tower and the specific actions of the air traffic controllers.</p>

<ul>
    <li><b>Staffing Issues:</b> There were five controllers on duty at the time of the crash, but one controller was handling both helicopter and plane traffic, a task usually divided between two people. This combined duty was implemented earlier than usual due to reduced traffic.</li>
    <li><b>Altitude Discrepancy:</b> Duffy questioned the altitude readings and whether the Black Hawk was flying higher than allowed. President Donald Trump also commented on social media that the helicopter was above the 200-foot limit.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Aftermath and Response</h2>

<p>The crash has had a significant impact on the community and air travel in the region.</p>

<ul>
    <li><b>Emergency Response:</b> Emergency personnel from various agencies, including the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, Maryland State Police, and others, were dispatched to the scene. The response was complicated by harsh weather conditions.</li>
    <li><b>Airport Operations:</b> Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport suspended all takeoffs and landings and was closed until at least Thursday at 11 a.m. EST. Several flights were diverted to nearby airports.</li>
    <li><b>Community Impact:</b> Families of the victims visited the crash site on Sunday, memorializing their loved ones. The incident has also led to increased scrutiny of air traffic control practices and staffing.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Victims and Casualties</h2>

<p>The victims included a diverse group of individuals.</p>

<ul>
    <li><b>Figure Skaters:</b> Some passengers were figure skaters returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.</li>
    <li><b>Hunters:</b> A group of hunters returning from a guided trip were also on board.</li>
    <li><b>Military Personnel:</b> The three soldiers on the Black Hawk helicopter were identified as Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, and Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach.</li>
</ul>

<p>The investigation is ongoing, with the NTSB aiming to release a preliminary report within 30 days, although full investigations typically take at least a year.</p>