A devastating crash occurred on Wednesday night near Washington, D.C., when an American Airlines regional jet collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter. Tragically, there were no survivors. The crash is now considered the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in over 20 years.
What Happened During the Collision?
At approximately 9 p.m. ET, American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was on final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The regional jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter in icy conditions. The airplane, carrying 64 people (60 passengers and 4 crew members), had just flown in from Wichita, Kansas. The military helicopter had three personnel aboard.
Both aircraft fell into the icy waters of the Potomac River. Recovery teams have already located and broken the wreckage into at least three sections.
Efforts to Recover the Victims
First responders quickly transitioned to recovery efforts after confirming that there were no survivors. As of Thursday morning, 27 bodies had been recovered. Emergency responders continue to search for the remaining victims.
Official Responses and Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to understand what led to the collision. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed his condolences, stating the company is cooperating fully with authorities.
President Donald Trump also shared his support, thanking the first responders for their rapid efforts.
Impact on D.C. Airport Operations
The collision caused a temporary closure of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Flight operations resumed by 11 a.m. ET on Thursday. The incident has disrupted air travel in the region, forcing airlines to adjust their schedules.
Background on the U.S. Aviation Safety Record
This crash is the deadliest aviation incident in the U.S. since 2009. The last major commercial airline crash occurred when Continental Flight 3407 crashed in Buffalo, New York, killing all 50 people aboard. The tragic event led to new federal regulations requiring improved pilot training and rest periods.
The Road to Recovery
As authorities investigate the cause of the crash, the aviation community mourns the loss of lives. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) expressed their condolences and promised assistance in the investigation. The impact of this tragedy is being felt worldwide, with support coming in from every corner.
