NTSB Releases Drone Footage as Investigation Continues

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released drone footage showing investigators surveying the wreckage of the American Airlines passenger jet and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided midair near Washington, DC, on January 29.

The 67 victims of the crash have now been recovered, with all but one identified, authorities confirmed Tuesday. The drone footage, taken a day after the crash, shows the two aircraft submerged in the icy Potomac River, where crews have been working in difficult conditions to retrieve debris.

Investigation Focuses on Flight Altitudes

New data suggests the Black Hawk may have exceeded its 200-foot (61-meter) flight ceiling, with airport radar readings placing it at 300 feet (91 meters). However, investigators note that the radar rounds altitude to the nearest 100 feet, requiring further analysis to confirm the exact height.

Meanwhile, data from the jet’s flight recorder showed its altitude at 325 feet (99 meters), plus or minus 25 feet (7.6 meters). Investigators are now working to extract more information from the still-submerged helicopter to determine if altitude miscalculations contributed to the collision.

Wreckage Recovery Underway

Rescue teams have successfully retrieved large sections of the jetliner, including the right wing, center fuselage, parts of the forward cabin, cockpit, tail cone, and rudder. Efforts continue to raise additional debris and piece together the final moments before impact.

The NTSB is expected to release further updates as the investigation unfolds.