NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
Investigators are trying to determine why a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet collided in the air as the plane was trying to land in Washington. Officials believe everyone on board both aircraft died when they crashed into the Potomac River. It's the deadliest air crash in the U.S. in more than two decades with 67 presumed dead.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- When did the crash happen?
- Who are some of the individuals and groups included in this story?
- Where did the crash occur? Where did the plane take off from?
- Why was a military helicopter flying near the airport?
- What did President Donal Trump say about the crash? What evidence did he offer for why DEI hiring policies were to blame?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- Why is it important for the NTSB (National Transportation and Safety Board) to conduct an investigation?
- Why is it important not to draw conclusions too fast, especially so soon after the incident?
- What parts of the investigation would you like to know more about?
Media literacy: In addition to blaming the helicopter crew, President Donald Trump blamed DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) policies without giving any evidence. In 2018, Trump made changes to FAA hiring practices as president when he removed the biographical assessment screening tool. Read this article about DEI policies under Presidents Obama, Biden and Trump. How could you learn more?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Learn about the role of key government agencies that are involved in air traffic safety and investigations, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which has roots in the Air Commerce Act of 1926, and the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB).
Watch News Hour's Miles O'Brien, a long-time pilot and aviation correspondent, discuss the collision and aviation licensing requirements.
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