Over 30 Dead After Midair Collision in Washington D.C.
No survivors have been found after an American Airlines passenger jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. on Wednesday evening.
The crash occurred around 9 p.m. local time and has resulted in a massive search and recovery operation in the Potomac River.
What Happened?
American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operated by PSA Airlines, was flying into Reagan National Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas. The aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. It was on its final descent when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter while it was doing a training exercise.
The helicopter, based out of Fort Belvoir in Virginia, was carrying three soldiers. It belonged to the 12th Aviation Battalion, which provides helicopter transportation and technical rescue support to the National Capital Region.
Eyewitnesses reported a horrifying scene. Ari Schulman was driving along the George Washington Parkway adjacent to the airport and described seeing the plane's approach seem normal until it suddenly banked sharply to the right. He saw "streams of sparks" beneath the aircraft, lighting up its underside and made him realize something was "very, very wrong".
Another witness, Jimmy Mazeo, recounted seeing what appeared to be a "white flare" in the sky while dining with his girlfriend at a nearby park. He noted that planes approaching Ronald Reagan Airport seemed to be flying in "irregular patterns".
Search and Recovery Efforts
Immediately following the crash, a massive search and rescue operation was launched. Multiple local and national law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency services, met on the near freezing temperatures of the Potomac River.
Fire Chief John Donnelly of Washington, D.C. announced the grim news that the chances of finding survivors were slim. "We have reached a stage where we are transitioning from a rescue mission to a recovery mission," Donnelly stated.
Confirmed Casualties
As of Thursday morning, the full extent of the tragedy was becoming clear. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz reported that more than 30 bodies had been recovered. Fire Chief Donnelly later confirmed that 28 bodies had been retrieved from the Potomac River.
The collision is becoming one of the deadliest aviation disasters involving a U.S. passenger flight in recent years.
Investigation Underway
As recovery efforts continue, attention is turning to the cause. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have announced that they will be conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the collision.
Senator Mike Rounds, R-S.D., who serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee, suggested that the investigation will likely focus on communication between the two aircraft. "What we're seeing right now is what happens if you have a lack of communication or a misunderstanding," Rounds told "Fox & Friends First" on Thursday morning.
The senator added that while investigators will examine all aspects of the flight, including potential mechanical breakdowns and system failures, he believes much of the discussion will center on the communication between the aircraft and whether that communication was accurate.
The incident has raised numerous questions about air traffic control procedures and safety measures in the heavily monitored airspace around Washington D.C. The proximity of the crash to both Reagan National Airport and the Pentagon has led to increased scrutiny of air traffic management in the area.
One of the key issues investigators will need to address is how a collision could occur in such closely monitored airspace. The area around Washington D.C. is known for its strict air traffic control measures due to how close it is to sensitive government buildings.
Response from President Trump
President Donald Trump released a statement Wednesday night, saying, "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. 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".
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed deep sorrow regarding the collision in a video posted on the airline's website. The company has established a hotline for the families and friends of those on board Flight 5342.
Following the crash, all flights were grounded at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. An announcement at the airport indicated that it would not reopen before 5 a.m. Thursday. Passengers with grounded flights were directed to rebook their travel.
As the recovery efforts continue and the investigation progresses, the thoughts and prayers of the nation remain with those impacted by this terrible tragedy.