
Flight 5342, operated by PSA - a subsidiary of American Airlines - was on its final approach to Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at around 9 pm local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), when it struck the helicopter at low altitude.
The US Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk was carrying a crew of three and no VIPs, according to defense department officials. The exact number of fatalities remains unclear as emergency personnel from multiple agencies continue the search for possible survivors.
The US Federal Aviation Authority announced that Reagan Washington National Airport, built on the river Potomac to the south of Washington DC, was temporarily shut down following the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash.
- 12:42 GMT Emergency crews have recovered 28 bodies from the Potomac River following the deadly collision, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly has told reporters. "We don't believe there are any survivors from this accident and we have recovered 27 people from the plane and one from the helicopter," the emergency chief said. Donnelly has confirmed that emergency crews are switching from a rescue mission to a recovery operation, adding that efforts are ongoing to return the victims' remains to their families.
- 11:56 GMT Wednesday's mid-air collision was the deadliest air travel accident in Washington since a passenger jet crashed into a bridge 43 years ago. On January 13, 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 struck the 14th Street Bridge before crashing into the frozen Potomac River just moments after takeoff from Washington National Airport. All 74 on board and four people on the bridge died.The National Transportation Safety Board blamed multiple failures, including the crew's failure to de-ice properly and the captain's decision to proceed despite unsafe conditions.
- 11:50 GMT Emergency crews have recovered over 30 bodies from the Potomac River after an American Airlines jet with 64 persons aboard and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers collided mid-air near Reagan National Airport, NBC4 reports. Both aircraft crashed into the frigid river, where ongoing search efforts are complicated by near-freezing water temperatures, according to the US Geological Survey.
- 10:46 GMT A recovery center has been established at the DC Fire Helipad on South Capitol Street SW to receive human remains from the Potomac River crash. Boats are transporting remains to the site before ambulances transfer them to tents that are being used as a temporary morgue. The DC Medical Examiner said it was the city's largest recovery operation in decades.Video footage recorded by the webcam at the Kennedy Center shows the moment of the crash.
- 10:31 GMT The crash appears to be a "terrible accident" caused by human error, former helicopter pilot Paul Beaver told Sky News. "Air traffic control can only advise" while the pilot is responsible, he said, explaining that the plane was committed to its final approach and had the right of way. The helicopter should have taken "avoiding action." Beaver, who is familiar with the Potomac airspace, called it "difficult." The passenger jet's pilots may not have seen the helicopter, according to CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave. He said the American Eagle plane was only "a few hundred feet off the ground" when it collided with the US Army helicopter. "It was very close to touching down," Van Cleave said. "It was in the final steps of its final approach... It is possible, depending upon where the two aircraft struck, that the pilots of the airplane never even saw the helicopter coming."
- 09:38 GMT The US Army and Defense Department have opened an investigation into the crash. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was sworn in just days ago, has said a probe has already begun. "Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls and their families," he posted on X.
- 09:33 GMT Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that Russian figure skaters were on board the passenger plane that collided with a US Army helicopter. "Unfortunately, we see that this tragic information is being confirmed," Peskov said, adding that there were also other Russian nationals among passengers. "Sad news from Washington today. We regretfully extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of our fellow citizens who were lost in this plane crash."
- 09:31 GMT Human remains and debris have been found washing up on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, opposite the Reagan National airport, according to CBS News reporter Kris Van Cleave. The plane broke into multiple pieces, which are now settling in five to eight feet of water, he said. A dive team has reportedly located one of the aircraft's two data recorders, though it's unclear whether it carries cockpit voice or flight data recordings. Divers have also accessed parts of the aircraft's cabin and recovered luggage, among other items, the reporter said. The helicopter remains upside down but appears largely intact, he added.
- 09:26 GMT The number of bodies recovered from the river near the crash site is "approaching 20," NBC News has reported citing sources. Earlier, CBS News reported that at least 19 bodies had been pulled from the Potomac River, citing a police official who confirmed that no survivors had been found.
- 08:11 GMTCNN reporter Gabe Cohen, working at the scene, described emergency crews' mood as somber, noting that rescue efforts were shifting toward recovery. "I spoke with a law enforcement source just a few minutes ago," Cohen said. "He told me that there's a really somber mood, even at the rescue scene. It feels - certainly not officially - but that we're sort of moving from that 'search-and-rescue operation' into a recovery effort. They have pulled several bodies out. There are fatalities confirmed at the scene. And now we're just waiting for answers."
- 07:48 GMT Search-and-rescue crews have recovered bodies from the crash, NBC has reported, citing two sources. Officials have not yet confirmed the number of casualties. It is unlikely anyone has survived, Tim Atkinson, a former senior inspector for the UK Airline Accident Investigation Branch, has told Sky News. According to him, the crash likely exceeded human tolerance levels. "The moment of collision, in which clearly a lot of energy is expended from the visuals there... and, unfortunately, the first element required for survivable is that the actual ultimate forces experienced by those on board an aircraft or in a vehicle, have to be within human tolerance," Atkinson said."And my suspicion is very strongly that, in the impact with the water, the forces there were simply beyond human tolerance," he added.
- 07:37 GMT Renowned Russian figure skating world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, a married couple, who won the pair event in 1994, were on the plane, TASS news agency has reported, citing an unnamed source.
- 07:23 GMT Several US figure skaters and coaches were reportedly on board the plane that crashed while traveling from Wichita to Washington, DC, according to the Kansas City Star, which cited US pair skater Luke Wang. They were returning from the US Figure Skating Championships, which took place in Wichita on January 20-26, with some athletes remaining in the city until January 28. Several Russian figure skaters and former Russian coaches were also believed to be on board, according to sports agent Ari Zakaryan, who spoke to Russian broadcaster Match TV. Zakaryan confirmed that Russian nationals were among the passengers but refrained from naming individuals, stating, "We are still finding out, I can't say much. But we know our people were there. You'll see everything soon."
- 07:05 GMT US officials have not confirmed any deaths while speaking to reporters at Reagan National Airport, according to AFP. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has declined to say whether any bodies have been recovered, or comment on the submerged aircraft's condition. When asked about survivors, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said: "We don't know yet. But we're working."Kansas Senator Jerry Moran called the crash "a very personal circumstance" for Kansans, saying many will know those on board and their families. He has pledged support for the rescue effort and vowed to keep Congress engaged in the investigation.
- 06:47 GMT The investigation into the crash is expected to take longer, with search-and-rescue efforts continuing under "dangerous" conditions in the water, DC Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr. has told reporters. "The water is dark, it is murky, and that is a very tough condition for them to dive in," he said, adding that the recovery operation could take several days. "If you can imagine, the river is a large black spot at night with no lights on it, except for a few buoy lights," Donnelly stated, describing the scene at night.
- 06:25 GMT About 300 responders have begun conducting a search-and-rescue operation in the Potomac River, DC Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr. has told a press conference at Reagan National Airport.The first units arrived at 8:58pm local time after an alert was issued at 8:48pm, finding an aircraft in the water and beginning rescue efforts, according to Donnelly. "The conditions out there are extremely rough," Donnelly said, adding that it is cold and windy.
- 06:23 GMT New details have emerged about the final moments before the crash. Minutes before landing, air traffic controllers asked the plane if it could use a shorter runway at Reagan National, and the pilots agreed, according to the AP. Flight tracking shows the jet adjusting its approach. Less than 30 seconds before impact, a controller asked the US military helicopter if it saw the plane. Moments later, the controller instructed: "PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ." Seconds later, they collided.
- 05:44 GMT US President Donald Trump has reacted to the tragic midair collision over the Potomac River on his social media platform Truth Social, questioning how the accident occurred on a "CLEAR NIGHT." "The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time," he wrote. Trump has criticized air traffic control, asking, "Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane?" Calling it a preventable disaster, he concluded, "NOT GOOD!!!"
- 05:36 GMT American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has expressed "sorrow" for the victims of the crash as he prepared to travel to Washington, DC. "This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines," he said, emphasizing support for passengers, crew, and families. He confirmed that American is working with authorities and has a "go team" en route. "Our cooperation is without pause," Isom stated, adding that efforts remain focused on assisting those affected by the tragedy.
- 05:20 GMT 18 bodies have been pulled from the Potomac River following the midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter with three military personnel on board, CBS News has reported. Other media outlets, including The Washington Post, have reported that multiple bodies have been recovered from the water. No survivors have been found so far, according to the newspaper.
- 04:57 GMT A new video angle of the recent mid-air collision over Washington, DC, has shown the US Army Black Hawk helicopter, almost entirely unlit, ramming into a passenger plane, which explodes into a fireball.
- 04:53 GMT The helicopter that crashed near Reagan Airport tonight was on a training flight, according to a US military official who spoke to NBC News. "We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight's incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, conducting a training mission," the official stated, adding that the military is coordinating with local authorities and will release further details as they become available.
- 04:32 GMT Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has announced the deployment of all available US Coast Guard resources for search and rescue operations following the incident, emphasizing active monitoring of the situation and readiness to support local responders.
- 04:29 GMT Reports indicate that a Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three soldiers at the time of the incident, according to multiple media outlets, including The New York Times, Reuters, and CNN. Citing US defense officials, the reports confirm that no senior Army officials were on board.
- 04:27 GMT American Airlines has confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were on board at the time of the collision. "Our primary concern is for the passengers and crew," the airline said in a statement, emphasizing that they are in close contact with authorities and actively providing support as needed. American Airlines has assured the public that it will continue to share updates as more details become available.
- 04:16 GMT The president of the International Association of Fire Fighters union has stated that firefighter dive teams are making every effort to locate survivors.
- 04:13 GMT The US Army has confirmed that the helicopter involved in the collision was a Black Hawk. "We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight's incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia," the Army stated. "We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available."
- 03:58 GMT US President Donald Trump has acknowledged the "terrible accident that just occurred at Reagan National Airport.""May God bless their souls," he said in a message shared on X by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
- 03:57 GMT White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told FOX News that the administration's thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected."We ask the public in this area to please stand by for guidance from law enforcement and allow them to do their jobs as they attempt to save lives," Leavitt said. She also confirmed that US President Donald Trump has been informed about the crash.
- 03:52 GMT Pete Hegseth, the newly confirmed Defense Secretary, stated on X that the Pentagon is "closely monitoring" the situation.
- 03:46 GMT Vice President JD Vance urged people to pray for those aboard the plane that crashed in Virginia this evening."Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan Airport this evening. We're monitoring the situation, but for now, let's hope for the best," Vance wrote on X.
- 30 January 2025 03:43 GMT American Airlines has stated on X that it was aware of the incident and would share updates as more information became available.
Reader Comments
Breaking another aircraft down in Philly...wow. [Link]
In each of them it looked as if the pilots had no control over the plane.
F35 - here we know the least, but you can see that the plane fell inertly like a stone.
BlackHawk - flew evenly until the very end, as if there were no pilots at all.
Last accident - the plane fell like a meteorite, completely ballistic, no visible attempt at any flight correction, even to avoid hitting a large crowd of people.
All these accidents are very strange.
This is strange, because as long as pilots are alive, they try to maneuver the plane in one way or another to get it out of the way or choose a more convenient crash site. They have both horizontal and vertical controls for this... even assuming that the engine is no longer working, you can fly many kilometers in a slip.
Just before impact, it aligns with the plane and then tilts forward, indicating that it added speed instead of slowing down!
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Who was on the airplane? Anybody testifying in a hearing?
Another place/job where DEI hires have no place. If that turns out to be true, the operator, the HR manager and "DEI officer" should all go to jail for multiple cases of grossly negligent manslaughter.
Meanwhile in Philly a new aircraft crash...[Link]
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"The cause of the mid-air incident remains unclear. Authorities are investigating what occurred in the skies over Philadelphia that led the pilots to become unresponsive with the Northeast Philadelphia Airport Tower before the aircraft entered a violent descent at 11,000 feet per minute, ultimately crashing into a city street.Potential internal factors include an oxygen tank explosion or improper load balance. Externally, a loss of flight controls due to icing or a possible drone strike cannot be ruled out. However, these theories remain speculative, as authorities have yet to confirm any details while the investigation is ongoing.Audio from Northeast Philadelphia Airport Tower could be heard: “We have a lost aircraft. We’re not exactly sure what happened, so we’re trying to figure it out.”Philadelphia officials have yet to confirm any fatalities to passengers or bystanders who were on the ground."
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Russians on the aircraft.
🎺 says its DEI
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Check this out by an Airline Capt. As an experienced pilot from a family of aviators...this is the most likely conclusion. [Link]
No more remote controlled aircrafts are allowed to fly into aircrafts carrying US and Russian civilians or any other civilians.
This was no accident. You can tell by the structure of the narrative being spewed.
Another DEI disaster, it seems.