Topline
A preliminary investigation into Wednesday night’s crash between a commercial plane and a military helicopter revealed that staffing levels in the air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan National Airport—where the passenger jet was headed—were “not normal for the time of day and level of traffic,” according to The New York Times.
Preliminary Findings and Responses to the Washington Crash
Jan. 31, 12:30 a.m. EST
A preliminary FAA report found that air traffic control staffing at Ronald Reagan National Airport was "not normal" at the time of the crash. The Associated Press reported that only one controller was handling both helicopter and plane traffic. However, an unnamed source familiar with the matter disputed this claim, stating that staffing levels were normal.
The New York Times noted that airplane and helicopter traffic is typically managed by separate controllers until 9:30 p.m. each day. However, on Wednesday night, a supervisor combined the roles before that time and allowed one controller to leave early. The crash occurred shortly before 9:00 p.m.
Jan. 30, 11:30 p.m. EST
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it had recovered the crashed plane’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, known as “black boxes”. The devices have been sent for evaluation.
Jan. 30, 5:40 p.m. EST
About 40 bodies and some partial remains have been recovered from the Potomac River, according to ABC News and CBS News. Authorities believe they have retrieved all they can without moving the plane’s fuselage. Recovery efforts will resume in the morning.
Jan. 30, 5:15 p.m. EST
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly stated that officials have not yet determined how many passengers from Wichita or Kansas were onboard. The NTSB is working to notify next of kin, and the flight manifest is expected to be released by tomorrow afternoon.
Jan. 30, Afternoon - Trump’s Response
President Donald Trump signed a memorandum ordering a review of FAA hiring and safety policies, blaming former President Joe Biden’s diversity initiatives for weakening aviation safety. Without evidence, he suggested that DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies may have played a role in the crash.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized Trump’s remarks, calling them "despicable" and accusing him of dismantling key aviation safety personnel.
During a press briefing, Trump reaffirmed his executive order eliminating DEI hiring at the FAA and baselessly claimed that previous administrations hired air traffic controllers with "severe intellectual disabilities." He later acknowledged that the crash may not have been the controller’s fault.
Jan. 30, 11:24 a.m. EST
Trump appointed Chris Rocheleau, a 22-year FAA veteran, as acting administrator following the resignation of Mike Whitaker on Jan. 20.
Jan. 30, 11:20 a.m. EST
Trump confirmed that there were no survivors and called the crash a “real tragedy.” He praised first responders for their swift action.
Jan. 30, 10:30 a.m. EST
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Army helicopter, flying from Fort Belvoir, Va., was piloted by an experienced crew and was conducting a routine night evaluation flight.
Jan. 30, 8:10 a.m. EST
Newly appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy declined to confirm whether a permanent FAA administrator had been appointed.
Duffy later stated that the crash was “absolutely preventable” and that there was “no breakdown” in communication between the military helicopter and commercial plane. He noted that military helicopters frequently operate near the Potomac River.
Jan. 30, 7:45 a.m. EST
Washington Fire & EMS Chief John Donnelly announced that rescue efforts had shifted to a recovery operation, saying, “We don’t believe there are any survivors.” So far, 27 of 64 passengers from the plane and one of three crew members from the Black Hawk have been recovered.
Jan. 30, 7:40 a.m. EST
Authorities have located the wreckage of both aircraft. The passenger plane’s fuselage was found in three pieces in waist-deep water in the Potomac River.
Jan. 29, Late Night Reactions
Following the crash, all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport were halted until at least 11:00 a.m. the next morning.
On Truth Social, Trump questioned the handling of the situation:
"The airplane was on a perfect and routine approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT. The lights on the plane were blazing. Why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn? Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane? NOT GOOD!!!"
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Trump had been briefed on the situation and that federal and local officials were working to save as many lives as possible.
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