The flight data recorders, sometimes referred to as “black boxes,” from an American Airlines aircraft that struck a US army helicopter over the Potomac River close to Washington, DC, have been recovered by NTSB investigators.

A preliminary report will be released in 30 days, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which stated that it had “a lot of information but… need some time to verify that.”

The air collision claimed the lives of all 64 passengers on the regional jet as well as the three members of the military crew.

President Donald Trump already expressed his sympathies, stating that the Wednesday night incident had “shattered our hearts.”

Trump said he thinks those recruited for air traffic control positions were not always qualified, blaming diversity policies under his predecessors, although he provided no proof.

Air traffic controllers may be heard in an audio tape asking the crew of the helicopter if they can see the plane.

– Deeprows News