Coast Guard crane arrives to lift debris from crash site on river Potomac, on Friday —AFP

Agencies WASHINGTON

American authorities restricted helicopter flights near Reagan Washington National Airport after a midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a military helicopter resulted in the loss of 67 lives. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recovered the helicopter's black box, which will be crucial in the investigation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented strict restrictions on helicopter flights near Reagan Airport to prevent similar accidents. These restrictions primarily affect helicopters on two specific routes near the airport. Only police, medical, air defence and presidential transport helicopters are permitted in the airspace between the airport and nearby bridges. 

These restrictions will remain in place until the NTSB releases its preliminary report on the collision, which is expected within 30 days.  Crews have so far recovered 41 bodies, officials said.

Todd Inman,  NTSB member, said they are  conducting a thorough investigation of the cause of the collision and are committed to preventing future tragedies.The US Navy will assist in the salvage operations, starting with the removal of aircraft parts from the water.  Authorities plan to map the debris field to gain insights into the collision's dynamics. The recovery process is expected to continue throughout the week.

Over 500 personnel are working around the clock at the crash site in the Potomac River, said Washington DC fire chief John Donnelly . The NTSB's investigation and the FAA's flight restrictions aim to enhance the safety of air travel near Reagan Airport.