A desperate search operation is underway following a tragic midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter just outside Washington D.C., resulting in scores feared dead and no survivors expected. The crash occurred around 8:47 p.m. ET on Wednesday, as Flight 5342, carrying 64 individuals including passenger and crew members, was approaching Reagan Washington National Airport. Reports confirm that the commercial flight from Wichita, Kansas, collided with the military helicopter during a standard landing attempt, causing both aircraft to plunge into the frigid Potomac River.

Witness accounts describe a visible explosion lighting up the night sky, with videos capturing the midair fireball from the collision. Eyewitness Ari Schulman likened the sight to a "giant Roman candle" as the plane disintegrated upon impact. As of late Wednesday, authorities had recovered at least 28 bodies, with an ongoing recovery operation featuring over 300 responders navigating challenging conditions due to cold temperatures and low visibility.

The incident has drawn significant attention from federal investigators, including the FAA and NTSB, as the air traffic control communications leading up to the crash are scrutinized. Audio recordings captured tense exchanges between air traffic controllers and the helicopter's crew, where controllers had instructed the helicopter to maintain visual separation from the passenger jet just moments before the collision. "PAT25, do you have a CRJ in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ," one controller was heard asking shortly before the tragedy unfolded, according to reports from USA Today.

Leaders, including President Donald Trump, raised concerns over operational protocols, suggesting that the accident "should have been prevented." In statements posted on social media, Trump queried why the helicopter failed to divert course given the clear night visibility and the airplane's approach path. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed these sentiments, stating that initial assessments indicated the collision was "absolutely preventable."

Among those onboard the passenger flight were several figure skaters, their coaches, and family members returning from a recent championships in Wichita. Tragically, former Russian figure skating champions, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were confirmed to be among the victims. Meanwhile, as recovery efforts continue, first responders remain committed to identifying and recovering the remains of victims from the icy depths of the Potomac.

As the investigation unfolds, many questions remain unanswered, including how a tragedy could occur in such a heavily monitored flight path near the nation's capital. The incident marks a grim chapter in aviation history, being the first fatal commercial airline crash in the United States since 2009.

For continuous updates regarding the situation, visit The Hill, Independent, and CNN.