Plane crash near Washington: Helicopter unit suspended from flying
Photo: A plane and a helicopter collided near Washington (Getty Images)
A passenger plane and a helicopter collided near Washington today, January 30. The unit whose pilots were involved in the crash has been suspended from flying, states Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, according to Reuters.
According to Hegseth, the "fairly experienced" helicopter crew, consisting of three individuals, was using night vision goggles. The crew was conducting an annual training flight.
"We anticipate that the investigation will quickly be able to determine whether the aircraft was in the corridor and at the right altitude at the time of the incident," the Pentagon chief said.
Additionally, as the defense minister added, the Pentagon has ordered a 48-hour suspension of flights for the 12th Aviation Battalion, whose personnel were involved in the crash.
Plane and helicopter crash in Washington
It should be noted that in the United States, an American Airlines passenger plane collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, after which both crashed into the river.
According to preliminary information, there were no survivors from the crash. The plane had 64 people on board, while the helicopter carried three military personnel. Rescue teams are currently working at the crash site.
As stated by US President Donald Trump, the tragedy could have been avoided if the military helicopter had changed its course.
For more details about the tragedy, read the RBC-Ukraine material.
