On the evening of January 29, 2025, a tragic midair collision occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The passenger jet, operating as American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The Black Hawk helicopter was on a training mission with three soldiers aboard.
The collision resulted in both aircraft crashing into the frigid waters of the Potomac River. Rescue operations commenced immediately, with over 300 first responders braving challenging conditions, including cold temperatures and strong winds. As of now, multiple fatalities have been reported, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed. Recovery efforts have been hampered by the harsh environment, raising concerns about hypothermia for any potential survivors and the rescuers themselves.
Among the passengers were notable figures from the figure skating community, including former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as well as several U.S. skaters, their families, and coaches returning from a camp following championships in Wichita.
Air traffic control recordings revealed that the helicopter crew was aware of the approaching passenger jet. Moments before the collision, an air traffic controller inquired, “PAT25, do you have a CRJ in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ.” Seconds later, a fireball was observed as the two aircraft collided.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations into the incident. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom stated, “We’re cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation and will continue to provide all the information we can.”
This tragedy evokes memories of the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 disaster, where a plane crashed into the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River, resulting in 74 fatalities. The aviation community and the nation mourn the loss of life in this recent incident, as authorities work diligently to uncover the causes behind this devastating event.