Credited from: ABCNEWS
Key Takeaways:
In a devastating incident near Washington, D.C., a regional American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday evening, marking one of the deadliest aviation incidents in recent U.S. history. All 64 passengers and four crew members aboard the flight, as well as the three service personnel on the helicopter, are believed to have perished in the midair collision that occurred shortly before the jet was set to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The collision took place at approximately 9 p.m. ET, during the aircraft's final approach, leading to a substantial response from emergency services. By 8 a.m. on Thursday, officials confirmed that at least 28 bodies had been recovered from the Potomac River, where wreckage was found. However, local authorities do not expect any survivors from the incident, which is currently being described as a tragedy of “terrible proportions” by officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who stated the crash was "absolutely preventable," given the clear night skies and standard flight patterns.
The flight, American Airlines Flight 5342, had originated in Wichita, Kansas, and during its approach, air traffic controllers had instructed the helicopter, conducting routine training out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to maintain visual separation from the aircraft. Just moments before the collision, controllers asked the helicopter crew if they could see the jet, to which they confirmed visibility. Further instructions to pass behind the aircraft were issued just before the crash, as reported by ABC News.
The investigation into the causes of the collision is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with assistance from the Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy expressed that her team will thoroughly explore all aspects of the incident to understand not only what happened but why, and to recommend changes to prevent similar catastrophes in the future. They vowed to leave "no stone unturned" in their investigations.
As the news of the crash spread, there was an outpouring of grief, particularly from the U.S. Figure Skating community, with reports confirming that prominent figures in the sport—including Russian figure skating champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov—were among those onboard. They were returning from coaching young athletes at a national camp, according to NBC News.
In addition to the emotional toll, the incident has also raised questions about air traffic safety in one of the most closely monitored airspaces in the U.S., given its proximity to key government landmarks, including the White House. President Trump commented that the collision "should have been prevented," pointing to what he deemed a failure in communication between air traffic control and the helicopter.
As rescue efforts continue, emergency services face difficult conditions, with the water temperature in the Potomac reported to be dangerously cold. Search and recovery missions are ongoing, illustrating the grave situation as families await news about their loved ones.
With the last major commercial aviation disaster in the United States occurring in 2009, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in air travel, prompting renewed discussions about safety protocols and flight operations. As investigations unfold, more details regarding the sequence of events leading to this tragedy will be revealed, and the aviation community closely watches for recommendations from the NTSB.
For further updates and detailed coverage, visit The Hill and ABC News.