Crews recover cockpit from American Airlines Flight 5342 crash site in Potomac River

Recovery efforts continue for the wreckage of American Airlines Flight 5342, which tragically collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport, resulting in 67 fatalities. Crews have successfully recovered significant portions of the jet, including an engine, fuselage, and wing, and are now focused on retrieving the cockpit from the Potomac River. Authorities have positively identified 55 of the victims, with 12 still unaccounted for. Over 300 responders are involved in the operation, adhering to strict protocols to ensure the dignified recovery of remains. The Army Corps of Engineers stated that the salvage operation will take several days, with a commitment to prioritizing the recovery of human remains. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board will analyze the recovered wreckage to determine the cause of the accident.