US to consider new flight regulation measures following Washington plane crash

The US Department of Transportation is set to review and potentially implement new measures to improve the flight regulation system following a fatal crash involving a passenger aircraft and a military helicopter in Washington.

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy announced the plans to journalists, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

He stated, "Of course, we will conduct a thorough review of what happened today. After the Federal Aviation Administration completes its investigation, we will take appropriate steps if necessary to enhance flight route systems and flight authorization processes."

Duffy revealed that he had discussed the crash incident with President Donald Trump, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other officials.

The Transport Secretary also pledged to provide the necessary support to the experts working at the crash site.

To recap, a passenger plane carrying 64 people has crashed into the Potomac River in Washington DC following a mid-air collision with a US Army helicopter. Eighteen bodies have been recovered so far, with search efforts continuing in freezing conditions, according to authorities.

The crash occurred around 21:00 local time on January 29, when a PSA Airlines jet, operating as American Airlines 5342, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, had 60 passengers and four crew members on board. The helicopter, with three US soldiers aboard, was on a training flight from Fort Belvoir in Virginia.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident, as search and rescue teams, hindered by icy conditions, work through the night. The nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has grounded all flights as a result of the crash.

By Aghakazim Guliyev