WASHINGTON – Investigators on Friday forged ahead with search and salvage operations after the collision of a passenger plane and a U.S. Army helicopter that killed 67 people, as families and communities across the U.S. and in other countries mourned the victims of the deadliest aviation disaster in over two decades.
Divers will continue to scour the icy Potomac River on Friday for “aircraft components” to support the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the cause of the crash, according to Washington’s Fire and EMS Department.
The NTSB said investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the passenger plane and will analyze the black boxes for critical information about the moments leading up to the collision. Officials are still searching for one recorder from the Black Hawk helicopter.
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said authorities will “leave no stone unturned in this investigation” and promised a “whole-of-government effort.”
While authorities focus on the cause of the crash, families across world are mourning loved ones. The victims of the crash include a pilot who was planning to be married in the fall, a student heading back to college after a funeral, an attorney returning home on her birthday, a Philippine police colonel, a group of teenage figure skaters as well as their parents and coaches, and at least two Chinese citizens.
More:Students, Olympic skaters, families and more. A tribute to lives lost in the DC plane crash
Read more:What we know about the victims in the plane, helicopter collision
Philippine National Police official among victims in collision
A Philippine National Police official was aboard the doomed passenger plane, the agency announced Friday.
A spokesperson said in a news briefing that Col. Pergentino Malabed, who served as the chief of the supply management division, was killed in the midair collision.
Malabed was “on official travel at the time of the incident, fulfilling his duty as a dedicated police officer − committed to the service of protecting and securing both the PNP and the nation,” the agency said in a statement.
“His untimely passing is a profound loss to the PNP, where he served with honor, integrity, and dedication throughout his career,” the Philippine National Police said. “We extend our deepest condolences to his bereaved family, loved ones, and colleagues. The PNP is committed to providing them with all necessary support during this difficult time.”
Air traffic control staffing under scrutiny
The staffing at Reagan National Airport at the time of the collision is drawing intense scrutiny after multiple news outlets reported a single air traffic controller was responsible for directing helicopters and commercial airliners. The New York Times and NBC News reported that an FAA report that said those tasks are typically split between two staffers.
Reagan National Airport is home to the business runway in the country. And in recent years, shortages of air traffic controllers, near misses and the addition of more direct flights at the airport has fueled safety concerns. The Federal Aviation Administration has repeatedly warned, including in June, that a shortage of air traffic controllers along the eastern seaboard has forced it to restrict the number of flights it can permit through the area.
The FAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reports: Another jet had to abort landing day before crash
A day before the horrific midair collision between an American Airlines flight and Army helicopter near the nation’s capital, a passenger airplane had to abort its first landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport after a chopper appeared in its flight path, The Washington Post and CNN reported.
The Post, citing an audio recording from air traffic control, reported that Republic Airways Flight 4514 had to “make a second approach after a helicopter appeared near its flight path.”
The plane, flying from Connecticut, reached an altitude of about 1,600 feet during its first descent, while the helicopter was at about 300 feet, according to CNN.
The Post first reported the Tuesday incident.
− Charles Ventura
