Potomac River Aviation Incident: DCA, USACE develop tentative timeline to clear wreckage

Dredging Contractors of America (DCA) said that the private sector Jones Act dredging, marine construction and tug/barge operators are all hands-on deck for recovery, evidence collection and debris removal from the crash site on the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The operations are expected to start February 3, pending results of detailed salvage surveys that will determine the full breadth of the debris field and allow for creation of a lift plan that addresses large wreckage.

According to USACE, the initial focus is removal of the remnants of the regional jet, which is expected to take three days.

Following recovery of the jet, crews will shift to recovery of the Black Hawk helicopter and associated wreckage. Upon completion of large lifts, on or around February 8, crews will focus on clearing large debris in the remaining debris field with salvage baskets before demobilizing equipment by February 12.

William Doyle, DCA CEO, said: “Our hearts are filled with sorrow for the families who lost loves ones in the midair collision Wednesday night between a regional American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. – we pray for the families, God Bless.”

This will be a multi-mission federal, state and local and private sector recovery and debris removal operation.

“Donjon Marine Co., Inc. (DJM), tasked by the US Navy, is the private sector salvage manager and expert onsite. DJM mobilizing assets – deck and crane barges, tugs and associated afloat equipment are enroute to the theater,” said DCA.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the US Army Corps of Engineers immediately sprang to action with afloat assets for the search and rescue, recovery and wreckage removal operations.

The USCG and the U.S. Naval Institute News confirmed the deployment of multiple units to the crash site. These units are working alongside local authorities to conduct search operations, ensure safety, and prevent tampering with the crash site.

Also, USACE is providing hydrographic surveying via the BUCK, a 26-foot survey vessel equipped with single and multi-beam sonars, that actively supports the Baltimore District’s Navigation Branch.