Latest On American Airlines Plane Collides with Black Hawk in DC
Rescue teams are racing against time after an American Airlines plane carrying 64 people crashed into a U.S. Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Several fatalities have been reported, and both aircraft plunged into the freezing Potomac River.
What Happened?
At around 9 PM local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday, American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier local jet, was coming near Runway 33 when it collided mid-air with a Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter. The helicopter, sporting three squaddies, had taken off from fort Belvoir, Virginia, for a schooling task.
Seconds before impact, an air visitors controller requested the helicopter crew, “Do you have the CRJ (American airways jet) in sight?” Moments later, controllers shouted, “Crash, crash, crash, this is an alert 3!” A fireball lit up the night sky as both planes plunged into the Potomac River.
Rescue Efforts Underway
More than 300 emergency responders rushed to the crash site, battling strong currents and freezing water temperatures. Inflatable boats and light towers were deployed as divers searched for survivors. DC Fire Chief John Donnelly described it as a “highly complex operation” in rough conditions.
Who Was on Board?
- The American Airlines flight had 60 passengers and four crew members.
- The helicopter carried three U.S. Army soldiers.
- Several passengers were figure skaters, coaches, and families returning from a competition.
- Russian media confirmed that former world skating champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were among the victims.
Casualties and Survivors
Authorities have recovered at least 30 bodies, but officials have not confirmed if there are any survivors. Hypothermia is a major concern for anyone who might still be in the water.
Reactions and Investigation
- President Donald Trump questioned why the helicopter didn’t change course, calling it “a bad situation that should have been prevented.”
- Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an immediate investigation by the U.S. Army and the Department of Defence.
- Aviation experts say it’s highly unusual for such an accident to occur near one of the country’s busiest and most controlled airports.
Airport Closure and Impact
Ronald Reagan National Airport remains closed until at least 11 AM (16:00 GMT) as authorities continue rescue and recovery efforts.
This tragic accident brings back memories of the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 disaster, where a passenger jet crashed into the Potomac River, killing 78 people.
Authorities are urging people to stay away from the area as rescue operations continue. More updates to follow.
