The controller instructed the emergency vehicle to stop at least twice, according to officials’ summary, but it was too late. Though there were two air traffic controllers working the night shift during Sunday’s crash, one appeared to have dual responsibilities, which is typical during overnight shifts, officials said. They were both working a shift that typically spans from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., when air traffic controllers have historically experienced fatigue, Homendy said. The cockpit voice recorder had more than 25 hours of good-quality audio, which will be fully transcribed Wednesday, Homendy said. Air traffic control audio posted to LiveATC.com, a website that broadcasts tower communications in real-time, captured some of the crash’s aftermath.

Source: Washington Post March 24, 2026 23:32 UTC