A man walking his dog along the Potomac River reported finding objects that could be debris from the January 29 midair collision near Washington, D.C., which claimed the lives of 67 people. Andrew Guevara, who lives in Alexandria, Virginia, shared the incident with FOX 5 DC and noted that he spotted several items floating in the water while on a routine walk with his dog. He described finding items that resembled airplane seats and tray table parts, which he believes may have originated from the tragic midair collision. Guevara emphasized that while there is often a significant amount of trash along the river, the objects he found appeared more substantial and unusual.
Upon reporting the discovery, Alexandria police were initially called to the scene. However, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now handling the investigation, with a spokesperson confirming that they are taking possession of the items for evaluation and eventual transfer to the remaining wreckage. This development has sparked renewed interest in the case, with authorities seeking to determine if the debris found on the River could provide further insights into the collision. The NTSB spokesperson stated that they would store the items until they could be transferred to the rest of the wreckage, underscoring the importance of preserving evidence related to the incident.
Earlier this year, investigations into the crash revealed that a failure in communication occurred between the air traffic controllers and the pilot of the commercial plane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously stated that the air traffic controller failed to alert the crew of the plane about the Army helicopter’s path before the collision. This revelation has generated significant attention, as it highlights potential lapses in aviation safety protocols. The incident has prompted calls for reform and additional oversight to prevent similar accidents in the future. The discovery of potential debris from the crash may further contribute to the ongoing analysis and understanding of the tragic events in Washington, D.C., and their broader implications for aviation safety.