A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., has resulted in a tragic loss of life. The accident occurred near Reagan Washington National Airport, sending both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. Officials have confirmed that there are no survivors from the horrifying incident.
Washington DC Plane Crash: What Happened?
On Wednesday night at 8:47 p.m., American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, collided with a U.S. Army helicopter. The CRJ-700 passenger jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter was on a military training mission with three soldiers aboard.
Fireball in the Sky: Collision Captured on Camera
A live webcam at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts recorded the tragic event. The video shows a fireball explosion, followed by a trail of thick smoke. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane was approaching Runway 33 at Reagan Airport when the collision happened.
Rescue Operations in Harsh Conditions
Immediately after the crash, 300 emergency responders rushed to the scene, battling freezing temperatures and strong winds. Firefighters, divers, and police boats searched the icy waters of the Potomac River, but the situation soon transitioned from a rescue mission to a recovery operation.
Death Toll and Recovery Efforts
Authorities recovered 28 bodies from the river—27 from the passenger jet and one from the helicopter. Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly stated, “At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors.” The search for additional victims continues.
Who Were the Passengers?
Among the victims were figure skaters, coaches, and family members returning from the U.S. National Figure Skating Championships in Wichita. Russian nationals were also reported to be onboard.
Was the Crash Preventable?
The Pentagon has launched an official investigation into the incident. President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, questioned the actions of the air traffic controllers and the helicopter crew, stating: “This looks like a situation that should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”
Washington DC Airport Shutdown
In the aftermath, Reagan National Airport was closed until 11:00 a.m. local time as authorities managed the crisis.
Unanswered Questions and Safety Concerns
While officials work to determine what led to this Washington DC plane crash, the tragedy raises concerns over air traffic control safety, military training flight protocols, and mid-air collision prevention.
This catastrophic event has left the nation mourning the loss of 64 lives, making it one of the most shocking aviation disasters in recent history.