Pete Hegseth Reveals More Info on Army Helicopter Involved in Deadly Plane Crash – EVOL

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Thursday morning that a “fairly experienced” crew was on the Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines flight near Washington, D.C., Wednesday night before both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.

Sixty-four people, including passengers and crew, were on board American Airlines Flight 5342, a regional jet that was preparing to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided with the military helicopter.

Authorities said Thursday morning that they believe no one survived the crash and have switched rescue efforts to recovery efforts. Responders have recovered at least 28 bodies from the Potomac River.

Hegseth said the three soldiers on the Black Hawk helicopter were conducting an “annual proficiency training flight” and were wearing night-vision goggles.

“The Army unit involved was Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, at Fort Belvoir,” Hegseth said. “It was an annual proficiency training flight, and when we look at the crew, not all kin have been notified, so we’re going to withhold ranks and names at this point. We do know, on our side, who was involved.”

The Department of Defense has deployed an investigation team to look into the crash, according to Hegseth,

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