NTSB investigators going to Virginia plane crash site.

NTSB Investigates Plane Crash in Virginia

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently on their way to the site of a plane crash in western Virginia. The NTSB has stated that they are in the “fact finding” part of the investigation.

The plane’s trajectory caused a stir on Sunday afternoon, with residents in the Washington, D.C. area reporting a loud boom. It was later revealed that F-16 fighter jets had been scrambled to pursue the flight and had gone supersonic in the process.

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The crash site is in a heavily wooded and rural area, making it difficult for investigators to access. “Investigators have to hike to the wreckage, which is in heavily wooded and rural terrain,” an NTSB spokesperson told the Washington Examiner.

NTSB investigator-in-charge Adam Gerhardt stated at a press briefing on Monday that the investigation is considering all factors at this stage. “This NTSB safety investigation, basically, everything is on the table until we slowly and methodically remove different components and elements that will be relevant for this safety investigation: the airplane, the engines, the weather conditions, pilot qualifications, the maintenance records, all aspects will be items that we routinely look,” Gerhardt said.

Gerhardt also mentioned that a preliminary report will be issued within 10 days, which will include details from their findings at the scene of the crash. He also stated that the plane was not required to have a black box, or flight recorder, but there may have been one on board.

First responders to the scene of the crash on Sunday described the impact site as having left a “crater” and said there were few recognizable pieces of the destroyed plane, according to CNN.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s initial accident report showed that all four people on board the plane, including the pilot and three passengers, were killed in the crash. The plane flew through a no-fly zone when it passed through D.C., leading NORAD to scramble F-16 fighter aircraft.

NORAD confirmed that the F-16s were “authorized to travel at supersonic speeds, and a sonic boom may have been heard by residents of the region.” NORAD also said it used flares during the encounter. “During this event, the NORAD aircraft also used flares — which may have been visible to the public — in an attempt to draw attention from the pilot. Flares are employed with highest regard for safety of the intercepted aircraft and people on the ground. Flares burn out quickly and completely and there is no danger to the people on the ground when dispensed,” NORAD said in a statement on Sunday.

After reports started circulating of a loud boom across the Washington, D.C., area, officials in the region had assured the public there was “no threat” on Sunday before details regarding the off-course plane were revealed.

Key Takeaways:

• NTSB investigators are heading to the site of a plane crash in Virginia.
• The plane’s trajectory caused a stir in the Washington, D.C. area on Sunday.
• The crash site is in a heavily wooded and rural area, making it difficult for investigators to access.
• A preliminary report will be issued within 10 days.
• All four people on board the plane were killed in the crash.
• NORAD scrambled F-16 fighter jets to pursue the flight.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.