Maybe they are using Phantoms because they can't buy newer models, but the federal ban on DJI doesn't just cover buying new models - it prohibits use of any DJI equipment. I've been futilely fighting that battle for many years now, and forced to...
The NTSB released aerial video of the crash site, that they acquired using what appears to be a Phantom 4. I guess I would have expected, firstly, that they would use more recent equipment and, secondly, that they would not be using DJI aircraft.