ARLINGTON, Va. — A midair collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet claimed the lives of all 67 people aboard both aircraft, marking the United States' deadliest aviation disaster in nearly 24 years. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening as the jet was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport, prompting a large-scale search and recovery operation in the nearby Potomac River.

From the waters, rescue teams have pulled more than 40 bodies as recovery efforts continue under challenging conditions. The American Airlines flight carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three soldiers aboard.

The incident has drawn scrutiny on a multitude of factors, as the National Transportation Safety Board chairwoman described the situation as requiring public safety officials to come together for a concerted investigation. Federal Aviation Administration reports indicate that the air traffic control tower was configured unusually for the time of evening, with one air traffic controller tasked with managing simultaneous tasks typically handled by two individuals.

Despite normal flight conditions at the time, the helicopter reportedly entered the jet's flight path during its landing approach, raising questions about air traffic management and helicopter operations in the area, especially given that this airspace is among the most tightly controlled in the nation.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed ongoing investigations into the crew's altitude and operational procedures on the night of the crash. Concerns about the helicopter's compliance with altitude restrictions are paramount, as a maximum allowed altitude of 200 feet was noted.

As the investigation unfolds, the agency has temporarily restricted helicopter operations in the vicinity of Reagan National Airport, ensuring additional safety measures are in place during this investigation.

The incident recalls previous major aviation disasters, including the crash of an American Airlines flight into a residential area of Belle Harbor, New York, in which 260 people died in November 2001. The U.S. has seen few fatal commercial aviation accidents in recent years, prompting shock throughout aviation communities in light of this newest tragedy.

Recovery operations are ongoing, with authorities committed to ensuring that all victims are accounted for while working to understand the series of events leading to this catastrophic incident.

For continuous updates, refer to the Associated Press coverage.