The stillness of Washington D.C.’s icy January night was shattered by disaster—a catastrophic midair collision that claimed 67 lives and ended a decade-long streak without a major U.S. air crash. An American Airlines regional jet, Flight 5342, collided with a Black Hawk helicopter just moments before landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The impact sent both aircraft plunging into the frigid Potomac River, igniting a large-scale rescue effort that tragically shifted to recovery by dawn.
The PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 jet, operating under the American Eagle brand, was on final approach from Wichita, Kansas, when the unthinkable occurred. With 60 passengers and four crew members onboard, the jet was only 300 feet above ground when it struck a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter carrying three military personnel. In the chaos of the collision, wreckage scattered across the icy water as high winds and choppy waves hindered the initial search for survivors.
Washington D.C.’s Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly confirmed that by Thursday morning, 28 bodies had been recovered, including one from the helicopter. Divers worked tirelessly overnight in dangerous conditions, a grim reminder of the peril faced by first responders in such catastrophic events. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed his condolences, visibly shaken as he addressed the media. “We’re heartbroken,” he said, vowing that the airline would fully support the investigation and the families of victims.
“Skating is a very close and tight-knit community”
Former figure skater, Nancy Kerrigan talks to the media at the Skating Club of Boston, whose members have died in the Washington DC plane crash
Latest ➡️ https://t.co/ulZrZCpNgx
📺 Sky 501, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/jxjks8O6k6
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 30, 2025
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, only two days into his new role, called the incident preventable but emphasized the need for answers before assigning blame. His remarks came at a critical moment for President Donald Trump, who inherited the crisis less than two weeks into his presidency. The crash disrupts more than a decade of relative safety in U.S. commercial aviation, a record that began after the 2009 crash of Continental Flight 3407 in Buffalo, New York.
As investigators from the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board descended on the scene, early details suggested the PSA jet was on a standard approach when the military helicopter crossed its path. Why that happened remains the focal point of the investigation. Questions surrounding air traffic control, flight patterns, and military coordination are now under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the closure of Reagan National Airport until midday Thursday left passengers stranded, with flights delayed or diverted. The airport, home to the nation’s busiest runway, scrambled to restore order, but the emotional toll was unmistakable.
American and Russian figure skaters were among the victims, adding another layer of international grief. The Air Line Pilots Association vowed to assist investigators, underscoring the importance of uncovering the root cause to prevent future tragedies. The crash highlights ongoing challenges in air safety, even after years of regulatory improvements following earlier accidents.
President Trump, who had been briefed shortly after the crash, thanked first responders for their dedication. The Federal Aviation Administration, currently without a permanent leader, is facing pressure to ensure such gaps in leadership do not hinder the investigation. For now, as the recovery mission continues, a stunned nation mourns the loss of life and waits for clarity in the aftermath of this devastating collision.
Trump vows to “set the highest possible bar for aviation safety” following the plane crash in DC.
“We have to have our smartest people. It doesn’t matter what they look like, how they speak, who they are. It matters — intellect. Talent.” pic.twitter.com/KGYwLnqwyW
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 30, 2025
