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Washington, D.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an extensive investigation into the tragic midair collision involving a PSA Airlines (OH) Bombardier CRJ700 and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter over Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy opened a media briefing by expressing condolences to all those affected and reaffirming the agency’s commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation.
Investigation Leadership, Resources
Homendy was accompanied by senior officials, including Bryce Banning, a senior aircraft accident investigator who will serve as the investigator in charge.
Also present were NTSB board members Todd Inman, who will act as the board member on the scene, Vice Chairman Alvin Brown, Mike Graham, and Tom Chapman.
The agency has deployed nearly 50 personnel to the crash site, supplementing resources at headquarters and laboratories.
“This is an all-hands-on-deck event, and we are here to assure the American people that no stone will be left unturned,” said Homendy.
Coordination with Government Agencies
Homendy highlighted the cooperation between the NTSB and various government entities, including the White House, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
She acknowledged communications with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and emphasized their support for the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the NTSB is working closely with Secretary Pete Buttigieg of the DOT, Acting FAA Administrator Polly Trottenberg, and other federal agencies, underlining the collaborative nature of this high-priority investigation.
Investigation Approach, Process
As of the first full day on the scene, the NTSB is focused on gathering and preserving perishable evidence. The agency is committed to determining what happened, why it occurred, and how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Board Member Todd Inman to the podium to emphasize that speculation about the cause of the accident would be premature. “We will not be determining probable cause while we are on scene. Our focus is on collecting facts and evidence,” he stated. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, with a final report to be issued after the full investigation is completed.
Formation of Investigative Teams
As per the normal course for the investigative body, the NTSB has established multiple working groups to analyze different aspects of the crash:
- Operations Group – Examines the flight history and crew duties leading up to the accident.
- Structures Group – Documents wreckage, impact angles, and pre-impact forces.
- Powerplant Group – Investigates the engines and related components.
- Systems Group – Analyzes hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic, and flight control systems.
- Air Traffic Control (ATC) Group – Reviews ATC communications and flight data.
- Survival Factors Group – Assesses crash impact forces, emergency response, and rescue efforts.
- Helicopter Group – Studies factors specific to rotary-wing aircraft involved in the accident.
- Human Performance Group – Investigates potential human factors such as fatigue, medical history, and training.
Handling of Flight Data Recorders, Evidence
Investigators have yet to recover the flight data recorders, aka “black boxes,” as they remain underwater.
However, Homendy assured the public that the NTSB has extensive experience retrieving and analyzing such data. The agency is also reviewing a substantial package of information received from the FAA regarding ATC operations at the time of the collision.
Family Assistance and Support
The NTSB’s Family Assistance Group is working closely with local authorities and airline representatives to support the victims' families. Due to the complexities of the incident, many families are still en route to designated support facilities.
“This loss of life is a devastating tragedy, and our hearts go out to everyone affected,” Inman stated. “We will do everything in our power to provide accurate answers and prevent future occurrences.”
Next Steps in the Investigation
While the investigation is still in its early stages, the NTSB reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency. The agency will continue to provide factual updates as they become available and ensure that findings are based on verified evidence.
Homendy concluded by stressing the importance of patience and diligence. “We have a substantial amount of information, but it takes time to verify and analyze every detail. This is a meticulous process, and we owe it to the victims, their families, and the public to get it right.”
This is the key takeaway from today’s briefing, echoing Inman's assurance to the media: “We will help find out what happens, we will do it factually, and we will do it accurately.”
Stay tuned to airways for further updates as the investigation progresses.
Featured image: NTSB via YouTube
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