ARLINGTON, Va. — A midair collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines jet resulted in the tragic loss of all 67 people aboard the two aircraft, marking the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States in almost a quarter century.

The collision occurred late Wednesday as the commercial jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. Investigators have confirmed that at least 28 bodies have already been pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River.

Federal authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation, aiming to scrutinize multiple factors surrounding the incident, including the performance of the military pilot and the actions taken within the air traffic control tower at the time of the collision. This is a pressing concern as the Black Hawk helicopter seemingly flew into the path of the jet.

In a swift response to the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed significant restrictions on helicopter traffic around the airport. The airspace had already been partially restricted to aid in search and recovery efforts, but will now bar most helicopters from low-altitude routes paralleling the airport's flight paths indefinitely.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration report obtained by HuffPost, one air traffic controller was responsible for managing helicopter traffic and all arriving and departing flights at the time of the incident. This responsibility is typically divided between two controllers to ensure optimal monitoring, raising concerns about operational practices at that time.

In terms of flight conditions, officials noted that visibility was clear as the American Airlines flight was inbound from Wichita, Kansas. Among its passengers were a group of aspiring figure skaters, their parents, coaches, and local union members returning from events in the Midwest.

As officials reported, the U.S. Army helicopter was manned by three soldiers, all of whom perished in the incident. Notably, both pilots aboard the helicopter were described as highly experienced, familiar with the congested airspace typically surrounding Washington, D.C.

The helicopter was reportedly at a maximum allowable altitude of 200 feet when the collision occurred. Investigators are examining whether altitude limitations were exceeded at the time of the incident. National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Hommendy has termed this operation as an “all-hands-on-deck event” that will require thorough investigation.

The incident has spurred a broader discussion about safety protocols in air traffic and the complexities of navigating the restricted airspace over the capital, which accommodates both military and commercial operations.

The last notable fatal crash involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred back in 2009, resulting in a total of 50 fatalities. Since then, air travel has been widely recognized as a safe mode of transport, with statistics indicating rare accidents.

Wichita, the home community of many of those on the crashed flight, has reacted with profound grief as the area mourns those lost during this tragic event.

For ongoing details about the recovery operation and investigation outcomes, readers can refer to the complete coverage by Los Angeles Times.