U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sets Timeline for Potomac River Wreckage Removal

Efforts to clear the Potomac River following the mid-air collision of an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport are progressing as salvage experts establish a tentative timeline for wreckage removal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, in coordination with federal and state partners, has begun preparations to recover debris from the waterway, prioritizing safety and recovery of missing personnel.

On January 31, salvage teams staged necessary equipment, including a crane barge, deck barges, dive boats, and surface-supplied dive systems, to aid in the operation. The recovery process will be conducted in close collaboration with the Unified Command, ensuring that if human remains are located, work will pause for proper coordination with authorities. Initial salvage operations are scheduled to begin on February 3 following surveys that will define the full extent of the debris field. The first phase of the operation will focus on removing remnants of the regional jet, estimated to take three days.

Following the removal of the aircraft, crews will shift attention to recovering the Black Hawk helicopter and other debris, with major lifting operations expected to conclude around February 8. Salvage teams will then use specialized baskets to clear remaining wreckage, with final demobilization planned for February 12. The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a temporary safety zone restricting vessel traffic north of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Mariners are advised to avoid the area.

The operation’s timeline is subject to weather, tides, and the complexity of lifting and cataloging wreckage. The coordinated effort among multiple agencies underscores the priority of ensuring safe and effective recovery operations. Baltimore District Commander Col. Francis Pera emphasized that while the focus remains on removing hazards from the river, the primary objective is the safety of crews and accounting for any missing individuals to bring closure to their families.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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