In a concerning revelation, what started as aninternet conspiracy theoryabout theUS Army helicopterthat collided withAmerican Airlinesflight 5342 over Washington DC, has beenconfirmed as being true.
The tragedy, which occurred around 9 pm last Wednesday (January 29), claimed the lives of 67 people, three soldiers on board the military aircraft, as well as 60 passengers, and four crew members on the commercial plane.
HighlightsWhat started as a conspiracy about a US Army helicopter crash turns out to be true.Defense sources confirmed to CBS that the military aircraft was practicing a Continuity of Government plan.The crash claimed 67 lives, including 3 military personnel rehearsing a president evacuation plan.Experts suggest reevaluating military practices in commercial airspaces post-accident.
The soldiers were indeed rehearsing an evacuation plan for the president when the Black Hawk collided with the passenger jet.
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TheNew York Timesdescribed the Army’s decision to honor the family’s request as “extraordinary,” as it is standard procedure to release the names of personnel involved infatal accidents24 hours after notifying their relatives.
Image credits:147th Aviation Regiment / Wikipedia
The unusual silence surrounding the co-pilot’s identity has only fueled speculation, specifically around her competency as officials revealed that she had around 500 flight hours of experience—an amount in line with expectations for her role.
Eaves and O’Hara, in comparison, had approximately 1,000 flight hours each.
Experts believe the accident should prompt a reevaluation of military practices on commercial airspaces
Image credits:René DeAnda / Unsplash
In aBored Pandaexclusive interview, Dr. Daniel Bubb, a former airline pilot with a PhD in political science from the University of Missouri, called the accident “unfathomable,” and predicted that it would lead to a rethinking of military training protocols.
“It’s common for military aircraft to conduct training operations in the same airspace as commercial aircraft and even share airports,” Dr. Bubb mentioned. “This is something that predates World War II.”
Image credits:Maria Oswalt / Unsplash
“Thisaccidentmight prompt conversation about the danger of military and civilian operations happening [at the same time],” he added.
Dr. Bubb also correctly stated that the main focus of the investigation is likely to be the aircraft’sblack boxes, as well as questioning air traffic control personnel.
Image credits:Lockheed Martin
Officials from theNational Transportation Safety Board(NTSB) confirmed the recovery of the boxes yesterday (January 31).
Rescue efforts are underway with 41 out of the 67 bodies being successfully recovered, and 28 being positively identified so far.
“How can anyone make a judgement?” Despite the theory being true, netizens felt sharing conspiracies was in bad taste
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