A tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. has resulted in multiple fatalities and a complex recovery operation.
Key Takeaways
- An American Airlines jet with 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
- The collision occurred in tightly controlled airspace near the White House and Capitol, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the Potomac River.
- The cause of the collision is currently unknown, and all airport operations were initially halted for rescue efforts.
- This incident marks the first major U.S. commercial air crash in almost 16 years.
Collision Details and Immediate Response
On Wednesday evening, just before 9 p.m. EST, an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-701 jet collided with a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on a training flight near Ronald Reagan National Airport. The commercial flight, originating from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers, including a group of figure skaters returning from a camp, along with four crew members. The collision occurred as the plane was cleared to land on a shorter runway.
The impact sent both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River, triggering a massive search and rescue operation. District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly described the situation as “highly complex,” noting the challenging conditions faced by responders.
“It’s a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. It’s cold. They’re dealing with relatively windy conditions.” – D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly
Search and Recovery Efforts
As of early Thursday morning, at least 19 bodies had been recovered from the crash site, with no survivors found. The passenger jet reportedly broke into two pieces and is submerged in about 7 feet of water, while the helicopter is upside down in the river. Over 300 responders are working under challenging conditions, including wind, ice, and low visibility.
A recovery center has been established at the DC Fire helipad to coordinate efforts. Despite the ongoing operation, experts suggest that this has transitioned from a rescue to a recovery effort, with little expectation of finding survivors given the circumstances of the crash.
Officials say search and rescue efforts are taking place in dangerous conditions after a passenger plane collided with a US Army helicopter. Follow live updates. https://t.co/GU337ZjCbu
— CNN (@CNN) January 30, 2025
Impact and Reactions
The collision has sent shockwaves through the nation, particularly affecting the state of Kansas, where many of the passengers originated. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas expressed the profound impact of the tragedy on his constituents:
“When one person dies it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die it’s an unbearable sorrow.” – Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas
President Donald Trump is closely monitoring the situation and has praised the efforts of first responders. In a statement, he said, “May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
The incident marks a significant test for new agency leaders in the Trump administration and is reminiscent of the 1982 Air Florida crash into the Potomac River. As the nation grapples with this tragedy, Reagan National Airport is set to reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday, though the impact of this event will be felt for much longer.
Sources:
- American Airlines jet collides with Army helicopter at Reagan Airport | AP News
- Washington DC plane crash: What we know so far | US News
- What we know about the midair collision between a passenger jet and Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River – CBS News
- Commercial plane crashes mid-air with military helicopter near Reagan National Airport – CBS News
