A tragic mid-air collision occurred Wednesday night near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The incident resulted in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River, leading to a significant loss of life and prompting an extensive search-and-rescue operation.
The American Airlines flight, identified as Flight 5342, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Ronald Reagan National Airport. Onboard were 60 passengers and four crew members. The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a routine training mission with three soldiers aboard.
The collision occurred at approximately 8:48 p.m. as the passenger jet was making its approach to the airport. According to The Times, eyewitnesses reported seeing a “stream of sparks … like a Roman candle” as the two aircraft collided, followed by both crashing into the river. The plane was observed splitting in half upon impact, with parts of the fuselage submerged in the water.
Emergency response teams, comprising over 300 personnel, were dispatched to the scene immediately. DC Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr. stated that all ongoing search-and-rescue operations are focused on the water, where conditions remain hazardous, as reported by CNN. “The challenge is access. The water that we’re operating in is about 8 feet deep, there is wind, there are pieces of ice out there so it’s just dangerous and hard to work in,” Donnelly said. “The water is dark, it is murky, and that is a very tough condition for them to dive in,” he continued. He noted that recovery efforts are expected to take several days.
As of the latest reports, 18 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River. Efforts are ongoing to locate any potential survivors, though none have been found thus far.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation, expressing his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. He described the accident as “terrible” and emphasized that it should have been preventable, as noted by The Guardian. The President assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the collision.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that Ronald Reagan National Airport will remain closed until 11 a.m. Thursday to facilitate the ongoing rescue and recovery operations. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in collaboration with the FAA and other relevant agencies, has launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary assessments indicate no evidence of criminal or terrorist activity. Investigators will examine flight data recorders, air traffic control communications, and other pertinent information to determine the factors leading to this tragic event.
According to PEOPLE, American Airlines has expressed its profound sorrow over the incident. The airline is providing support to the families of the passengers and crew members affected. A hotline has been established for relatives seeking information about their loved ones.
Local authorities have urged the public to avoid the area surrounding the crash site to allow emergency services to perform their duties without hindrance. The community has been asked to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts during this difficult time.
This incident marks a somber moment in aviation history, highlighting the critical importance of air traffic safety and the need for rigorous adherence to protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
