Black boxes recovered from American Airlines jet and Black Hawk crash

Investigators examine black boxes from American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-700 and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crash that killed 67 people.

An American Airlines plane prepares to take off as investigators recover pieces of wreckage from the Potomac River after American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into the water following a collision with a U.S. Army helicopter near Washington, DC, on January 30, 2025. Photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

By Widya Putri and Adila Ghina

Investigators have recovered the black boxes from the tragic collision between an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, which crashed into the Potomac River on Wednesday, claiming the lives of 67 people. The recovery of these flight recorders marks a critical step in understanding the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash. Lead investigator Brice Banning confirmed on Thursday that the helicopter also contained recording devices, which will be examined either by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) or the U.S. Department of Defense under existing agreements.

The so-called “black boxes,” which are not actually black but rather high-visibility orange, play a crucial role in aviation investigations. While the nickname’s exact origin remains debated, it has become synonymous with the pursuit of crucial data following a plane or helicopter crash. Experts often rely on these devices to uncover key details that can explain what went wrong, although they caution that no two investigations are the same, and multiple factors typically contribute to aviation accidents.

The history of the black box dates back to the 1950s when Australian scientist David Warren is often credited with inventing the devices after investigating several fatal crashes. The early models recorded limited data on wire or foil, with subsequent generations switching to magnetic tape and eventually using computer chips in durable, crash-resistant casings. Today, there are two types of black boxes found on commercial aircraft: the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which records cockpit sounds or conversations between the pilots, and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR), which captures crucial flight data. In some cases, the two functions are combined into a single unit.

The primary purpose of black boxes is to preserve cockpit sounds and flight data, providing essential clues to investigators as they work to understand what led to an accident. These recordings are not intended to assign blame but to improve aviation safety by helping prevent future incidents. The FDR typically helps analysts piece together the mechanical or operational aspects of an accident, while the CVR can offer insight into the human factors involved—although the latter is not always able to fully explain why an accident occurred.

The significance of black boxes in aviation investigations

The recovery of black boxes is an essential part of any serious investigation into aviation accidents. In the case of the American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-700 and the U.S. Army Black Hawk crash, the data stored in these devices will be scrutinized for critical information about the flight’s final moments. However, experts caution that decoding the data is a complex and time-consuming process.

For example, investigators must first ensure that the black boxes are thoroughly dried and their connections cleaned to prevent accidental data loss. Once this is done, the data is downloaded and converted from raw files into readable formats. In some cases, "spectral analysis" is used to analyze faint or barely audible sounds, such as alarms, that may provide valuable clues.

Modern FDRs are capable of recording hundreds—if not thousands—of parameters, but the minimum standard is for the devices to capture at least 88 essential pieces of information about the aircraft’s performance. In comparison, older systems were limited in their ability to monitor more nuanced data. The CVR typically stores two hours of cockpit audio on a continuous loop, though newer regulations are extending this to 25 hours.

Advances and delays in black box technology

The technology behind black boxes has evolved over the years to improve aviation safety. In response to concerns raised in the 1990s, the NTSB recommended that black boxes be equipped with enough backup power to record for at least 10 minutes after an aircraft loses power. This change, which was finally implemented for new planes delivered after 2010, highlights the challenges of keeping black box technology up to date with aviation needs.

Despite these advancements, some accidents continue to reveal gaps in the technology. A recent example is the crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737, where the flight recorders failed to capture the last four minutes of flight. This incident underscores the limitations of current systems and the need for ongoing improvements. The delay in adopting new regulations—eight months after the 737-800 left the Boeing factory—has drawn criticism from those who believe quicker action could have helped prevent the loss of critical data in this and other incidents.

The crash of the American Airlines CRJ-700 and the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter serves as a reminder of the vital role black boxes play in ensuring transparency and safety in aviation. As investigators begin the difficult task of analyzing the data recovered from the black boxes, the public will undoubtedly look to these devices for answers. While decoding the data may take time, experts remain hopeful that the information they contain will shed light on the events leading up to the crash, helping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The future of aviation safety and black box technology

The debate surrounding black box technology was reignited following the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in 2014, with some experts suggesting that live streaming of flight data could be a better alternative. While this idea is still under consideration, many believe that advances in real-time data monitoring could eventually complement the role of black boxes, providing investigators with immediate access to flight data in the event of an emergency.

In the meantime, the recovery and analysis of the black boxes from the American Airlines and U.S. Army crash will be pivotal in understanding the incident’s cause. As experts work through the complex data and decode vital information from the black boxes, the findings will help shape future aviation regulations and safety protocols, ensuring that lessons are learned from every accident. In a world where aviation safety continues to improve, black boxes remain an indispensable tool in the ongoing effort to protect lives and prevent future tragedies.