Tragic Crash Near Washington D.C. Leaves 55 Confirmed Dead 

United States: Authorities have confirmed 55 out of the 67 victims who perished in the American Airlines aircraft (AAL.O) against military helicopter crash that occurred above Washington’s Potomac River on Wednesday, as reported by Reuters. 

“It’s my belief that we’re go ing to recover everyone,” Fire Chief John Donnelly said on Sunday at a press conference. “We have some work to do as the salvage operation goes on.” 

Salvage Operation Underway 

The Army Corps of Engineers plans to retrieve wrecked debris from the river starting Monday, with predictions of a procedure that may extend beyond one week. 

“We have a wide debris field,” said Colonel Francis Pera of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “Within that wide debris field, we’re employing different techniques to make sure we can understand what’s in the water.” 

The removal operation requires work to stop whenever remains appear, according to official statements. 

Family Members Pay Tribute at Crash Site 

The relatives of those who lost their lives during the Metro flight arrived through buses on Sunday morning at the river near where the crash occurred. 

Washington Reagan National Airport serves as the storage location for retrieved airplane wreckage. Operations on the Potomac River can only take place through authorization from specific authorities. The airport maintains the closure of its two least active runways. 

Investigators Reveal Key Findings 

Saturday, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the CRJ-700 plane maintained 325 feet (99 meters) above the ground within a 25-foot margin at impact. 

The “black box” flight data recorder supplied data to investigators about the aircraft movements along with speed and other parameters. 

The latest findings show the Army helicopter exceeded its approved altitude of 200 feet (61 meters) while using that flight path. 

Flight data records establish the air traffic controller notified the helicopter about the approaching CRJ-700 roughly two minutes before the collision, as reported by Reuters. 

The cockpit voice recorder indicated the American plane crew had a last-minute voiced reaction. However, this coincided with a data point showing the aircraft’s nose elevation began climbing before the collision occurred.