DC Plane Crash Update as Black Boxes Found in Potomac River, NTSB Confirms

Flight data recorders, also known as black boxes, have been recovered from the American Airlines plane that collided with an Army helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday night, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed to Newsweek.

The Context

American Airlines Flight 5342, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, crewed by three people, over Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening.

The plane plummeted into the Potomac River, leading to an extensive search-and-rescue operation. While the exact number of deceased remains unclear, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said that authorities "don't believe there are any survivors" and that efforts underway at the scene of the crash have changed from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.

What To Know

NTSB confirmed to Newsweek that both black boxes have been recovered, saying: "NTSB investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700 airplane involved in yesterday's mid-air collision at DCA. The recorders are at the NTSB labs for evaluation."

NTSB did not confirm how long it would take to reach a preliminary conclusion based on the data.

A black box is a device that records flight data and sounds in the cockpit. According to Reuters, a black box weighs 10 pounds and contains an underwater locator beacon, a stainless steel or titanium "Crash Survivable Memory Unit" and a recording chip.

The methodical nature of examination of the data means that while a very basic idea of what happened could become clear within days or even hours, it's more likely going to take weeks to get a more thorough understanding—and that's assuming the black boxes were not severely damaged by the explosion or crash.

Reuters cited the example of a Lebanese investigation into an Ethiopian Airlines crash in 2010, which took two years for authorities to analyze and reach a conclusion.

What People Are Saying

American Airlines previously told Newsweek via email: "Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts."

"If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly."

"American Airlines will continue to release information as it becomes available. Please monitor news.aa.com and American's official X account @AmericanAir for the latest information."

What Happens Next

Both the NTSB and the Pentagon have launched investigations into the crash.

A preliminary conclusion based on the black box data could be available in the coming days.

Update, 1/30/25 at 7:30 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information and context.