Washington: helicopter airplane collision – what do we know so far

Skipped, as well as the global community are watching its dramatic developments, after a collision over the river on Wednesday night.

The plane, one of the US military during its downward trend to Ragan Airport, which is a few kilometers from downtown Washington and is considered one of the most difficult airports in the country.

The chronicle of the new air tragedy in the US, the worst of the last 11 years and what we know so far:

• Flight 5342 had departed from Wichita, Kansas and was scheduled to land in Washington at 9pm (local time; at 04:00 Greek time). According to American Airlines, 64 people, 60 passengers and four crew members were on the passenger aircraft. There were three people on the military helicopter. From the collision in the air the two aircraft were found on the river.
• According to the NBC, citing two anonymous sources with knowledge of rescue operations, over 30 bodies have been recovered from the river. Earlier, international media referred to at least 19 dead, with rescuers continuing to search the river at frozen temperatures. Senator Roger Marshall, who represents Kansas, implied that all the occupants are dead. “Conditions are extremely difficult for research and rescue groups,” said John Donnelly, Washington Fire Chief, referring to “cold”, “strong wind” and “Pagos” in Potomak and appreciated : “We do not believe that there are survivors.”
• The plane was dissolved in many pieces, found in water 1.5 to 2.5 meters deep. One black box was detected, while the divers were found in the aircraft’s cabin. Between the objects that were lifted were luggage. Turn around, but almost intact it seems to be the helicopter.
• Former pilot estimates that the conflict is due to a “human mistake”. Paul Biver explained that the plane was in its final approach to the landing runway, when it was committed to the course. According to air traffic rules, he had a priority, and the helicopter should have maneuvered avoidance. Biver, who has flown over the Potomak River in the past, said it was a “difficult airspace”.
• In a message to Truth Social, US President Donald Trump commented: “The crash of the plane should have been avoided.” He wrote in detail: “The plane was on a perfect and ordinary airport approach. The helicopter headed straight towards the plane for a long time. Is it a clean night, the airplane lights shone, why did the helicopter go up or descended or turned? Because the control tower did not tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if he saw the plane. This is a bad situation that seems to have been avoided, “he wrote, adding:” This is not good !!! “
• The Kremlin expressed its condolences to the families of Russian citizens who died in the crash of the American Airlines plane. The coaches and former world -class skating champions were on flight 5342. Asked about the presence of these athletes on the plane, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “this sad information is confirmed”. “Other fellow citizens were also in the plane, he added. Putin -Trump communication is not currently provided, Peskov said.