Passenger Jet Collides with Army Helicopter Near DC, Sparking Tragic Search and Rescue Operation

A devastating mid-air collision leaves multiple fatalities as search teams comb the Potomac River for survivors.

Army Helicopter

Credit: Pixabay

A devastating mid-air collision leaves multiple fatalities as search teams comb the Potomac River for survivors.

In a shocking and devastating turn of events, a passenger jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night. The collision sent both aircraft plummeting into the frigid waters of the Potomac River, prompting a massive search-and-rescue operation by emergency crews. Tragically, multiple fatalities have been confirmed, though the exact number of victims remains unclear as the investigation continues.

The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. EST, as American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-701 jet, was making its final approach to the airport runway. The aircraft, which had just taken off from Wichita, Kansas, lost altitude quickly as it descended into the Potomac. On board were a group of figure skaters, coaches, and family members returning from a U.S. Figure Skating development camp.

The military helicopter involved in the crash, a UH-60 Blackhawk, was on a routine training mission and carried three soldiers. The collision occurred in one of the most tightly controlled airspaces in the country, located just three miles south of the White House. As emergency crews rushed to the scene, images of the crash site showed a chaotic scene of debris, with the jet’s wing partly submerged in the water and its fuselage mangled.

Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the crash, but air traffic control recordings reveal a frantic exchange between the controller and the helicopter pilot in the moments leading up to the collision. Just seconds before impact, the controller asked if the helicopter had the jet in sight, followed by a directive to pass behind the aircraft. Moments later, the two vehicles collided in a fiery explosion that was visible from nearby locations, including the Kennedy Center.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” said District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, who expressed condolences at a somber press conference at the airport. “We are doing everything in our power to recover our fellow citizens, and we stand with their families during this unimaginable time.”

Search efforts have been challenging due to the rough conditions in the Potomac River, with first responders braving the 36-degree temperatures and gusty winds. More than 300 rescue workers are currently involved in the operation, with inflatable boats scanning the water and helicopters from multiple agencies flying over the crash site. “This is a highly complex operation,” said D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly. “The conditions out there are extremely tough.”

The tragic incident has drawn responses from various officials, including President Donald Trump, who offered his condolences and prayers for the victims. “May God bless their souls,” he said in a statement.

Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, where many of the flight’s passengers were from, expressed his heartbreak: “When one person dies, it’s a tragedy, but when so many lives are lost, it’s an unbearable sorrow.”

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom also expressed deep sorrow, stating that the airline is focused on supporting the families and loved ones of those affected. The airline has committed to providing any assistance necessary during the investigation.

The crash serves as a somber reminder of the risks that can arise even in some of the most controlled and heavily monitored airspaces. It will be months before the full investigation is complete, as experts examine the flight data, transponder information, and communications between air traffic control and the pilots of both aircraft.

Meanwhile, the airport will remain closed through Friday as investigators continue their work. A portion of the Potomac River remains off-limits to boating traffic as the recovery operation unfolds.

February 3, 2025

Isha W. - Jan 30, 2025