Far-left Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) falsely claimed that "no president has had more planes crash in their first month in office than Donald Trump," a statement easily debunked by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The post Rep. Eric Swalwell Falsely Claims Trump Had ‘More Plane Crashes’ in First Month Than Any President appeared first on Breitbart.
Rezvani Motors, an innovative American automotive manufacturer, has redefined the luxury SUV market with its extraordinary Vengeance.
This vehicle represents a groundbreaking fusion of military-inspired design and high-end luxury transportation.
Designed by digital artist Milen Ivanov, known for his work in video game vehicle design, the Vengeance breaks conventional automotive boundaries with its aggressive styling and comprehensive security features.
The Vengeance represents a unique fusion of a luxury SUV and military-grade transportation. This remarkable machine is built on GM's T1 platform, sharing fundamental architecture with the Cadillac Escalade. It measures an imposing 18 feet long and weighs approximately 6,200 pounds. Potential owners can choose between two powerful engine configurations.
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The gasoline variant delivers 420 horsepower from a 6.2L V8 engine. The diesel option provides a robust 277 horsepower through a Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine. Standard amenities include a sophisticated 19-speaker audio system. The vehicle offers tri-zone climate control for maximum passenger comfort. NFC phone pairing comes standard in the base model. Magnetic ride control ensures a smooth driving experience across various terrains.
TESLA'S CYBERTRUCK GETS A MILITARY MAKEOVER WITH A TACTICAL TWIST
The Vengeance offers an unprecedented level of personal security through its comprehensive Military Package. Bulletproof glass and B6-rated armor provide significant protection against potential threats. Two military-grade gas masks are included to protect against chemical warfare, tear gas and other potential airborne threats.
The package also provides two bulletproof vests designed to meet professional security standards. A matching bulletproof helmet accompanies the protective gear, ensuring complete personal safety. Rezvani further enhances the package with a professional-grade first aid kit and a specialized hypothermia prevention kit. Optional features include smoke screens, thermal night-vision and electromagnetic pulse protection. Buyers can even add pepper spray dispensers and electrified door handles.
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360° THROWABLE TACTICAL CAMERAS ARE CHANGING THE GAME FOR THE MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Vengeance targets ultra-high-net-worth individuals and those requiring exceptional personal security. Diplomats in volatile regions might find particular value in its defensive capabilities. Celebrities seeking maximum protection will appreciate its comprehensive security features.
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EXPLORING HYDROGEN-POWERED VEHICLES FOR THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION
The base model starts at $285,000, with fully equipped versions approaching $750,000. This pricing positions the Vengeance as an exclusive statement of luxury and preparedness. The vehicle represents more than transportation; it's a comprehensive personal security solution.
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The Rezvani Vengeance transcends traditional automotive boundaries. It combines luxury, performance and unparalleled security in a single extraordinary package. While most buyers may never utilize its full defensive capabilities, the Vengeance remains an impressive technological vehicle that will definitely have you ready for just about anything.
If money were no object, would you spend $750,000 on a vehicle like this to be prepared for the worst? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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President Donald Trump could claw back $4.3 billion in unspent federal funds for California's high-speed rail project, just as he froze $1 billion for the perpetually delayed and derailed project during his first term as president.
The post Report: Trump Could Claw Back $4.3 Billion in Unspent High-Speed Rail Funds from California appeared first on Breitbart.
Suddenly, a red light camera ticket arrives in your mailbox bearing your name but you weren't even driving that day. This frustrating scenario is catching many drivers off guard. So, what's the deal here? Let's break down these tricky fake tickets and how to fight back when you're wrongly in the crosshairs.
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First things first, not all "tickets" are created equal. If you receive something that looks like a ticket but doesn't have the court's full address or phone number – or worse, it says "Do not contact the court" – you might be dealing with what's cheekily called a "snitch ticket." These aren't real tickets at all but rather attempts to get you to rat out whoever was actually driving. The dead giveaway is usually that they will say something like, "Courtesy Notice: This is not a ticket."
BEWARE OF FAKE PARKING TICKETS ON YOUR WINDSHIELD WITH FAKE FINES
Because cities often have to pay camera vendors for every ticket issued, whether or not they ever collect a dime. So, when the footage is too blurry to ID the driver, they toss out these "Whoops, was this you?" tickets, hoping you’ll do their homework for them. It’s basically a shady game of "Guess Who?" except you never agreed to play, the rules are rigged and the only prize is an unwanted fine.
THESE 5 FUZZ BUSTER APPS CAN HELP GET YOU OUT OF A SPEEDING TICKET
If you've received a "snitch ticket" (a fake ticket designed to get you to identify the driver), here's what you can do.
Ignore it: Since it's not a real ticket, you're not legally obligated to respond. Many people simply disregard these notices.
Don't identify the driver: Remember, you're under no legal obligation to name who was driving your car.
Check for red flags: Confirm it's a fake by looking for missing court information or the phrase "Do not contact the court regarding this notice."
Stay informed: Keep the notice for your records, but don't let it stress you out. It's not a legal document.
Remember, these fake tickets are just fishing expeditions. You're well within your rights to toss them in the recycling bin and go about your day.
BEWARE OF THE NEW SNEAKY PARKING QR CODE SCAM
If you receive a genuine ticket (one with all the court info) but you weren't the driver, you've got options.
1) Contact the police (optional): You can try calling the number on the ticket and explaining the situation. But beware, they might pressure you to identify the actual driver.
2) Stand your ground: Remember, you're not legally required to identify the driver. It's not your job to play detective for them.
3) Go to court: If push comes to shove, you can always contest the ticket in court. Just be prepared for some potential pushback.
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Dealing with red light camera tickets can feel like navigating a legal minefield. The key is to know your rights, stand firm and don't let anyone pressure you into admitting guilt or identifying others if you're not comfortable doing so. Remember, the burden of proof is on them, not you. Stay informed, stay calm, and if all else fails, seek legal advice. After all, justice shouldn't be a game of "gotcha."
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Imagine gliding above city traffic in a sleek, autonomous pod, bypassing congested streets and reaching your destination in record time.
This is the promise of Whoosh, an innovative urban transit system set to debut in 2026.
Whoosh represents a paradigm shift in urban transportation, offering a solution that's as efficient as it is futuristic.
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Whoosh isn't your typical gondola or cable car system. While it may look similar at first glance, this clever Kiwi invention offers a unique blend of on-demand service, direct routing and privacy that sets it apart from traditional public transportation. Unlike fixed-route gondolas, Whoosh pods are equipped with their own motors and autonomous navigation systems. This allows them to freely traverse a complex network of cables and rails, choosing the most efficient path from one point to another without intermediate stops.
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The Whoosh system combines the best aspects of ride-sharing and public transport. Users can book a pod through an app, much like calling an Uber. The pod will be waiting at a nearby station, ready to whisk you away to your destination. These stations are designed with minimal footprint, fitting into a standard car park space and featuring a spiral ramp up to the network height of about 40 feet above the ground. Larger stations can be built at ground level, offering easy access for passengers.
The network itself consists of tensioned cables spanning 500-985 feet, interspersed with shorter sections of steel rail for smooth turns and junctions. This design allows Whoosh to overcome geographical obstacles with ease, crossing rivers, highways or even connecting rooftops.
Whoosh pods are expected to achieve an average speed of 25 mph across the network. While this may not sound impressive at first, the non-stop nature of the journey means it could be significantly faster than driving through congested urban areas. The system features remarkable efficiency, using less energy for a standard ride than a 10-minute shower. This is achieved through constant motion and low rolling resistance, making Whoosh about twice as efficient as a small electric car. Comfort hasn't been overlooked either. The pods can lean into corners, much like a motorcycle, providing a smooth ride even at higher speeds. The cable sections of the journey offer an especially pleasant "floating" sensation.
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GET READY TO EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF EVTOL RACING
Interestingly, Whoosh's journey began in the world of amusement parks. The team behind Whoosh, led by Chris Allington, initially developed the core technology for a zip line ride called the Switchback. This allowed them to prototype and test crucial elements of the system, such as the seamless transition between cables and rails and the eddy current braking system for controlling swing-out around corners.
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The world's first Whoosh transit system is slated to open in Queenstown, New Zealand, in 2026. This picturesque tourist destination, with its challenging geography and traffic issues, provides an ideal testing ground for the technology. Nestled between mountains and a lake, Queenstown suffers from limited road networks and significant traffic congestion, making it a perfect proving ground for Whoosh's innovative transportation solution. The pilot project will demonstrate the system's ability to navigate difficult terrain and provide efficient transit in a compact urban environment, with Chris Allington noting that the location is "small enough that it's actually solvable" while presenting unique geographical challenges.
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Whoosh combines the convenience of ride-sharing with the efficiency of public transit. Its modular design and relatively low infrastructure costs make it an attractive option for growing cities grappling with congestion and sustainability concerns. As we look towards a future of smarter, more connected cities, Whoosh offers a glimpse of what's possible when innovative thinking is applied to age-old urban challenges. The success of the Queenstown pilot could pave the way for similar systems worldwide, potentially revolutionizing how we move through urban spaces.
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Preliminary flight data from the deadly plane crash in Washington, D.C., shows conflicting readings about the altitudes of a passenger jet and Army helicopter that collided near Reagan National Airport and killed everyone on board the two aircraft, investigators said over the weekend.
Data from the American Airlines flight recorder showed an altitude of 325 feet, plus or minus 25 feet, when the collision happened Wednesday night, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials told reporters on Saturday. Data in the control tower, though, showed the Black Hawk helicopter at 200 feet, the maximum allowed altitude for helicopters in the area.
The roughly 100-foot altitude discrepancy in the data has yet to be explained.
Investigators are working to retrieve data from the helicopter’s back box, which is taking more time because it became waterlogged after submerging into the Potomac River, in hopes of reconciling the difference. They also said they plan to refine the tower data, which could be less reliable.
"This is a complex investigation," said Brice Banning, NTSB investigator in charge. "There are a lot of pieces here. Our team is working hard to gather this data."
Banning detailed the last moments from the jet's two black boxes, which captured sound in the cockpit and flight data just before what became the deadliest U.S. aviation accident since 2001.
"The crew had a verbal reaction," Banning said, with the data recorder showing "the airplane beginning to increase its pitch. Sounds of impact were audible about one second later, followed by the end of the recording."
Investigators did not say whether that change in angle meant that pilots were trying to perform an evasive maneuver to avoid the crash.
The collision happened around 9 p.m. EST while the regional jet was preparing to land at the airport. The jet from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 64 people onboard, while three soldiers were on board the helicopter, which apparently flew into the jet’s path. No one survived the crash.
NTSB member Todd Inman expressed frustration to reporters, noting that the board has made "several hundred" recommendations to improve aviation safety that have not been acted upon.
"You want to do something about it? Adopt the recommendation of the NTSB. You’ll save lives," he said, adding that he has spent hours with victims' families since the crash. "I don’t want to have to meet with those parents like that again."
Families of victims visited the crash site on Sunday and divers scoured the submerged wreckage for more remains after authorities said they've recovered and identified 55 of the 67 people killed.
Officials said they are confident all the victims will be recovered from the chilly Potomac River.
NTSB investigators hope to have a preliminary report within 30 days, though a full investigation could take at least a year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Are you ready to share the road with massive semi-trucks cruising down the highways next to you without a human driver? Well, that is one step closer, thanks to the groundbreaking partnership between Kodiak Robotics and Atlas Energy Solutions. These innovative companies have just pulled off something incredible. They successfully launched the first-ever commercial driverless trucking operation.
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Kodiak Robotics has become the first company globally to deliver a driverless semi-truck to a customer while also being the first to generate ongoing revenue from driverless trucks. Atlas Energy Solutions, in turn, has made history as the first customer to launch a commercial delivery operation using driverless semi-trucks.
Don Burnette, founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics, tells CyberGuy, "Through this partnership, we are providing a critical service to Atlas, helping them to provide freight service in one of America’s most difficult trucking environments."
YOU WON’T BELIEVE HOW FAR VOLVO'S NEW ELECTRIC SEMI-TRUCK GOES ON A SINGLE CHARGE
Atlas has successfully completed 100 loads of proppant sand deliveries using Kodiak RoboTrucks, establishing itself as the pioneer in making driverless deliveries with its own autonomous fleet. The operations span the 75,000 square mile Permian Basin in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, showcasing the scalability and efficiency of the technology.
Burnette emphasized that "before launching driverless service, we completed our safety case – Kodiak’s comprehensive study that demonstrates the safety of our self-driving system – for work in the Permian Basin."
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THE FUTURE OF TRUCKING ROLLS FORWARD IN SHELL'S EXPERIMENTAL BIG RIG
The high demand in the Permian Basin is driving rapid scaling of operations, enabling Kodiak to earn significant revenue from its RoboTrucks faster than any other autonomous truck company. This accelerated growth demonstrates the commercial viability of autonomous trucking technology.
"We are now working to extend the safety case to highways over the course of 2025," Burnette said. "This large-scale operation allows us to rapidly accumulate driverless experience, which will benefit our on-highway customers and contribute to the successful launch of our on-highway driverless operations. We believe we have a 12- to 18-month lead on launching driverless semi-trucks at scale."
TECH TURNING BIG RIGS, TRUCKS, EVEN TANKS INTO SELF-DRIVING VEHICLES
Concurrent with the RoboTruck operations, Atlas has launched the Dune Express, a 42-mile autonomous conveyor belt in the desert that delivers sand to the autonomous RoboTrucks. This integration of the RoboTrucks and the Dune Express is a key component of Atlas' strategy to automate its entire supply chain, promising increased efficiency and safety in industrial logistics.
The autonomous trucking industry stands on the brink of a transformative era, with pioneering companies like Kodiak Robotics leading the charge toward a more efficient and technologically advanced transportation landscape.
"We are encouraged by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s strong commitment to creating a national regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles and are confident the new administration will ensure a clear path for innovators," Burnette said. "Ultimately, autonomous trucks will increase American competitiveness, reduce inflation, and help ensure U.S. technology leads in the 21st century. All indications suggest the industry expects the Trump administration to be favorable toward autonomous trucking. We are committed to maintaining American leadership in realizing this vision."
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The partnership between Kodiak Robotics and Atlas Energy Solutions represents a pivotal moment in the transportation industry. By successfully deploying autonomous trucks in commercial operations, they have proven the technology's readiness, as well as its economic viability. This breakthrough is likely to accelerate the adoption of autonomous trucking across various sectors, potentially reshaping the future of logistics and supply chain management.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Saturday that a warning system outage could cause flight delays throughout the United States, according to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.
The post Transportation Secretary: FAA Warning System Outage Could Cause Flight Delays appeared first on Breitbart.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says that many of the Federal Aviation Administration's systems remain "antiquated" and are in need of updates amid a "plummet" in recruitment for air traffic controllers.
Duffy made the statement during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday" with host Shannon Bream. The Trump administration official affirmed that America's skies remain the safest in the world, but he also said major changes could be made to improve the FAA's systems.
"We have the safest skies in the whole world. Traveling by air is the safest mode of transportation," Duffy said. "It's not just air traffic controllers, but we do have technologies on airplanes to keep them separated. So, yeah, no, this is the safest system."
Duffy went on to say that the U.S. system "does need to be upgraded." He also noted an outage of the FAA's pilot warning system, the "Notice to Air Mission" or NOTAM system, on Saturday night, calling it "antiquated."
VICTIMS IDENTIFIED IN DC PLANE CRASH INVOLVING AMERICAN AIRLINES JET AND MILITARY HELICOPTER
The FAA imposes a mandatory retirement age of 55 for air traffic controllers, causing a large amount of turnover. Duffy noted that the FAA's training academy was bottlenecked during COVID-19, causing small class sizes and delaying the process as trainees could not get in-person experience at control towers.
HARROWING VIDEO FROM MILITARY BASE SHOWS NEW ANGLE OF MIDAIR CRASH CATASTROPHE
He said he is focusing on training a new generation of recruits.
"You can't focus on diversity, equity and inclusion when you try to hire air traffic controllers, you focus on the best and brightest," Duffy told Bream. "I mean, again, some people like me like to have this conversation around equity. But if it's your pilots or if it's your air traffic controllers, you want the best. You want the brightest protecting yourself and your family. That's what we're going to do with the department."
Duffy's statements come after two aviation disasters struck the U.S., including the collision of a military Blackhawk helicopter with an American Airlines jet in Washington, D.C., last week. A private plane also plummeted out of the sky in Pennsylvania this weekend.
Investigations are ongoing for both crashes. Duffy said he is particularly interested in the communications that the control tower at Reagan National Airport had with both the jet and the helicopter in last week's crash.
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"What happened in the tower? What was going on with the staffing? What should have been done and what was done? What was the language that was used by the air traffic controller? Was it appropriate? Did they appropriately direct traffic consistent with procedures at the FAA?" Duffy asked.
In a significant advancement for high-speed rail technology, China recently unveiled the CR450 bullet train prototype in Beijing.
This state-of-the-art train is a testament to China's commitment to leading the world in railway innovation.
With a test speed of 280 mph, the CR450 is poised to break records and set new standards in the area of high-speed travel.
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The CR450 is designed to operate at an impressive 248 mph, surpassing its predecessor, the CR400, which operates at 217 mph. This significant increase in speed is accompanied by a remarkable reduction in operational resistance by 22% and a weight decrease of 10%, thanks to the use of advanced materials, such as carbon fiber composites and magnesium alloys.
CALIFORNIA'S FIRST ELECTRIC TRAIN COULD BE WHAT’S COMING TO YOUR CITY
Equipped with over 4,000 sensors, the CR450 features intelligent monitoring systems that allow for real-time data collection on various operational parameters, including axle temperature and pressure. This technology enhances safety and efficiency, enabling the train to adapt to changing conditions autonomously.
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CHINA SETS WORLD RECORD FOR FASTEST HYPERLOOP TRAIN
Passenger comfort has not been overlooked. The CR450 includes noise reduction technologies that lower interior noise levels by two decibels compared to earlier models. Additionally, it offers more passenger space, expanding service areas by 4%.
The design incorporates aerodynamic features aimed at minimizing air resistance, ensuring a smoother ride even at high speeds.
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MONSTER PLANE COULD REPLACE TRUCKS AND TRAINS
Safety remains a top priority with the CR450. It features a braking response time of approximately 1.7 seconds, allowing it to come to a complete stop from its operational speed within 21,325 feet, the same distance required by the CR400. Furthermore, an over-the-horizon system enhances emergency situation recognition capabilities.
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The China State Railway Group has announced plans for extensive line testing of the CR450 prototypes to refine technical specifications before entering commercial service. The goal is to integrate this advanced technology into China's already extensive high-speed rail network, which spans over 24,855 miles.
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The unveiling of the CR450 bullet train marks an exciting chapter in high-speed rail travel. With its impressive speed, innovative technology and focus on passenger comfort, it promises to transform how we think about train travel. As China continues to lead in railway advancements, we can look forward to a future where traveling at unprecedented speeds becomes a reality for millions.
What are your thoughts on whether the U.S. should strive to keep pace with or surpass China's advancements in high-speed rail technology? Do you believe investing in high-speed rail is essential for the future of transportation in America? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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The Trump administration released an order saying the Department of Transportation will prioritize grants to communities that cooperate with ICE.
The post Trump Rule Will Steer Transportation Dept. Funds to Non-Sanctuary Districts appeared first on Breitbart.
The Washington Wizards held a moment of silence Thursday for the victims of the deadly crash involving a passenger jet and an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
The Wizards hosted the Los Angeles Lakers at the Capital One Arena, and it was the first sporting event in D.C. since Wednesday night's crash.
The Wizards had a message on their jumbotron before the game began.
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"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last night," the statement said. "We extend our thoughts and prayers to those families, loved ones, and all those impacted.
LIVE UPDATES: MILITARY HELICOPTER COLLIDES WITH AIRCRAFT NEAR REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT
"And we thank all the first responders for their heroic efforts across this massive coordinated effort."
An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which was carrying three soldiers. All airline passengers and soldiers were presumed dead.
At least 14 members of the figure skating community were on board the plane. Six people with ties to the Skating Club of Boston were among them.
The Washington Commanders and Washington Nationals also paid tribute to those who lost their lives and showed their support for the first responders who sprang into action to find any potential survivors and recover bodies from the Potomac River.
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U.S. ice skater Anton Spiridonov refuted claims suggesting he was on board the commercial jet that collided in midair with an Army helicopter Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
"Russian news outlets have included me on a list of presumed people on the flight from Wichita to Washington D.C.," the skater shared on Instagram.
"I was NOT on this flight, thank you for everyone’s concern for my safety. My heart goes out to all the families affected by this tragedy."
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Spiridonov won the silver medal at the World University Games in 2023. He also finished sixth at the U.S. Championships that same year. Spiridonov also paid tribute to his father's former "skating partner," Inna Volyanskaya.
"Dads skating partner," he wrote on a post to his Instagram story. "Rest in peace, Inna."
Flight 5342 carried 60 passengers and four crew members, according to a statement from American Airlines. The flight took off from an airport in Wichita, Kansas.
Authorities confirmed there were three U.S. service members aboard the Army Black Hawk helicopter when the aircraft departed Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The airfield is located about 15 miles southwest of Reagan Washington National.
The passenger jet and the military helicopter both crashed into the Potomac River as the commercial plane was approaching one of the airport runways. In a news conference Thursday morning, officials confirmed that 27 bodies from the plane and one from the Black Hawk helicopter had been pulled from the frigid waters.
U.S. Figure Skating released a statement confirming that "several members of our skating community" were aboard the flight. The organization said they were returning home from a development camp after the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, which concluded Sunday.
Fox News' Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
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The fatal collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter at Reagan International Airport on Wednesday night was likely a culmination of factors, according to aviation attorney Jim Brauchle, who says "we’ve been lucky" there haven’t been more air accidents.
Brauchle is a former U.S. Air Force navigator who now represents families of victims involved in aviation disasters, including the 2019 Boeing 737 Max 8 crash that killed 157 persons in Ethiopia shortly after takeoff and a 2014 Army Black Hawk helicopter crash that killed a soldier and seriously injured two others on board during a training flight at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia.
"I hate to say this, but a lot of people in the aviation industry have predicted that there was going to be an accident," Brauchle told Fox News Digital. "No one wants to, you know, say that out loud because obviously that's a horrific thing. But there's been a lot of near misses over the last several years. And we've been, you know, we've been lucky that there haven't been more of these."
The collision happened around 9 p.m. EST when a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said. The regional jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas.
VIDEO SHOWS DC PLANE CRASH INVOLVING AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT, BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER
American Airlines said the jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military said three soldiers were onboard the Army helicopter. Officials said later Thursday morning that no one is expected to have survived after a massive search-and-rescue operation in the frigid waters of the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia.
Brauchle said there are several ways aircraft avoid midair collisions, especially at the busy Reagan National Airport, including transponders and traffic collision avoidance systems that most commercial aircraft are equipped with, communication with air traffic control and what he called "seeing and avoid," in which pilots keep a lookout for other aircraft and obstacles.
Brauchle said that keeping a lookout for obstacles is harder than it looks.
"Having flown at night, having tried to look and see traffic, I think most people would say, ‘Oh, how hard is it to miss an airliner,’ right? You should be able to see that. But it's a lot more difficult than people would expect," he said.
At night in an urban environment like Washington, D.C., or northern Virginia, pilots may not be able to see other aircraft and instead may rely on seeing anti-collision or landing lights, according to Brauchle. But different ambient lights from tall buildings and towers that are lit may make it difficult to distinguish which lights belong to other aircraft.
"What I've heard from the audio is that they called out to [air traffic control]. The helicopter said that he had the aircraft in sight," the attorney said. "My guess is, and again, I'm just speculating, is they saw something that they thought was the airplane, whether it be a tower light, maybe it was another aircraft that was taking off. Whatever they thought they saw obviously wasn't the aircraft."
DC PLANE CRASH INVESTIGATORS TO REVIEW COMMUNICATION BETWEEN 2 AIRCRAFT: SENATOR
Brauchle said that typically, if two aircraft find themselves on the same path, the more maneuverable aircraft is supposed to try to move out of the slower aircraft’s way.
"In this case, it's kind of a really unique situation," he said. "Both of these aircraft appear to be where they were supposed to be, or at least on the route. Maybe not necessarily the altitude."
Citing the published routes for the two aircraft, Brauchle said that even if both aircraft are exactly where they’re supposed to be, there is only a couple of hundred feet of separation.
"If you have any type of, you know altimeter error or a pilot just slightly off altitude, you very easily are putting airplanes in the same airspace," the attorney said.
Reagan National Airport facilitates commercial, private and military traffic all in a relatively condensed airspace.
5 OF THE DEADLIEST US AIR DISASTERS
"You’re combining all these different aircraft, all different types of aircraft, all in a very confined space," he said, noting the swath of restricted airspace in the D.C. area due to national security concerns. "And that's kind of what's unique, I think, about Reagan is that it is so congested in such a confined space."
The cause of the collision remains unknown in the hours after the accident. Hundreds of first responders conducted a massive search-and-rescue operation for survivors, though the operation turned into a recovery later Thursday morning.
Brauchle said that, based on his experiences litigating and investigating such accidents with the Charleston, South Carolina-based Motley Rice law firm, the families of those who died are likely in shock because airplane accidents are "not supposed to happen."
"What I've also seen from the families is they're always looking for answers," he said. "They want to know why this happened. Why did they lose their loved one?"
Brauchle said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will likely release a preliminary report in 30 days, and thinks that families will eventually seek litigation as a result of this accident.
The NTSB is leading the investigation into the midair collision, with investigators from the FAA assisting.
Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, who famously landed a passenger plane on the Hudson River in 2009, commented on the deadly aircraft collision that occurred over the Potomac River on Wednesday night.
"We’ve had to learn important lessons literally with blood too often, and we had finally gotten beyond that, to where we could learn from incidents, and not accidents," Captain Sullenberger told The New York Times.
Sullenberger explained to the outlet that "everything is harder" when flying at night. He noted that while the pilots’ ability to see may have been impacted by the darkness, "we don’t know" whether that was the case.
"I’m just devastated by this," Sullenberger said. "We have the obligation to learn from every failure and improve."
AMERICAN AIRLINES CEO EXPRESSES 'DEEP SORROW' AFTER MIDAIR COLLISION
At approximately 9:00 PM local time on Wednesday night, an Army Black Hawk collided with an American Airlines plane near Reagan National Airport outside of Washington, D.C. All 67 people onboard both aircraft are presumed dead.
John Donnelly, Chief of the District of Columbia Fire Department, said on Thursday morning that authorities did not believe there were any survivors, and the mission was shifting "from a rescue operation to a recovery operation."
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President Donald Trump called the deadly crash a "dark and excruciating night in our nation's capital and in our nation's history, and a tragedy of terrible proportions."
"Together, we take solace in the knowledge that their journey ended not in the cold waters of the Potomac, but in the warm embrace of a loving God," Trump said.
In a video statement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the department knows "on our side who was involved. It was a fairly experienced crew, and that was doing a required annual night evaluation. They did have night vision goggles."
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was sworn-in hours before the collision, said "everything was standard" before the crash. He also vowed to get answers for the victims’ families and the American people.
In January 2009, Sullenberger landed an Airbus A320 safely in the Hudson River after striking a flock of birds that disabled both engines shortly after takeoff; all 155 people aboard survived. His heroic actions, later dubbed the "miracle on the Hudson," were depicted in the 2016 film "Sully" starring Tom Hanks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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