Runway operations at the airport are expected to resume at 11 a.m. "The NTSB will lead the investigation. We are working with local officials and will provide any additional information once it becomes available," McLendon said. A source briefed on the search-and-rescue operation described a gruesome scene with large numbers of bodies recovered.

Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Eagle flight over the Potomac River​ late last month was flying with a safety system turned off, Sen. Ted Cruz told reporters after a briefing from the FAA and NTSB.