First responders search the crash site of American Airlines Flight 5342 along the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., on Thursday.
Source: Michael A. McCoy for NPR
Washington, D.C. – In a devastating incident last night, an American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft.
Details of the Collision
The American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was a Bombardier CRJ700 en route from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. As it approached Runway 33 at approximately 9 p.m., it collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter conducting a training mission with three soldiers on board. The collision caused both aircraft to crash into the icy Potomac River.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Emergency response teams, including units from the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, Maryland State Police, and other local agencies, were dispatched promptly. Despite their swift action, the freezing temperatures and challenging water conditions hindered rescue operations. By Thursday morning, 27 bodies had been recovered, and officials confirmed that no survivors were expected.
Notable Passengers
Among the victims were former world champion figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, along with other members of the U.S. figure-skating program returning from a national development camp.
Official Responses
President Donald Trump expressed his condolences and emphasized that the tragedy was "preventable," highlighting concerns over aviation safety protocols. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed these sentiments, calling for a thorough investigation.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest that both aircraft were following standard routes; however, it's believed that the helicopter may have strayed from its designated flight path.
Historical Context
This incident marks the deadliest U.S. air disaster since 2009 and adds to the tragic history of aviation accidents over the Potomac River, including the 1982 Air Florida disaster.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging patience and support for the families affected by this heartbreaking event.
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