On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, all the bodies from the aircraft and crew from the helicopter were accounted for. Washington DC Fire Ems made a statement that all sixty-seven victims from both American Airlines flight and Black Hawk Helicopter had been recovered.

The early focus from the data records of the American Airlines flight operated by PSA Airlines was on approach at 325 feet at the time of the impact. The maximum height on the military helicopter was two hundred feet but exceeded to the same level as the American airline’s aircraft. For now, they are still searching in the potamic for remanding wreckage of both the helicopter and aircraft.

Fire and Aviation TV is not speculating, or finger pointing like others and will wait for the preliminary and final reports. The one thing we have said prior to this incident for the last few years is that the F.A.A. is seriously underfunded. An article we wrote on January 2, 2025, briefly makes the same statement.

In recent years, the government has heavily invested in airports and infrastructure. That is good but again the F.A.A. was severely overlooked. We even wrote a letter to F.A.A. in late 2024 regarding safety and future safety inspections. Still to date no response.

Even on airside for ground movements as there have been incident with aircraft. On another note safety is paramount although there have been accidents at airports. Also, tragically another death this time at Charlotte airport of an employee. Additionally, to this over an 18-month period from the last death to the one before had occurred at another in Austin Texas.

As investigations continue, there is a recent announcement on February 5 by the transportation secretary, Sean Duffy that he has assigned Elon Musk to upgrade the systems as a quick fix. Implementing a new system will take time, but an upgrade is essential for future travel, as we have pointed out for years. Will anyone respond to our letters or simply file in the shredder?

Source Fire and Aviation TV 02/06/25.