29th January, 2025 10pm
Mid-Air Collision Over Washington, D.C.: Passenger Jet Crashes Into Potomac After Collision With Army Helicopter
Headline
A devastating mid-air collision occurred late Wednesday near Washington, D.C., as a passenger jet attempting to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, sending the aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River. Local authorities have confirmed the crash, and emergency response teams are actively engaged in rescue and recovery efforts.
Key Facts
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operated by PSA Airlines—a regional carrier for American Airlines—crashed into a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Reagan National Airport at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time.
- The jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, according to American Airlines, making it a nearly full flight.
- The U.S. Army helicopter was carrying three personnel, as confirmed by Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
- Casualty details remain undisclosed, but emergency crews have recovered multiple bodies from the river, according to reports from The Washington Post.
- All flight operations at Reagan National were suspended immediately following the crash and are expected to remain halted until at least 11:00 a.m. EST on Thursday.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident and that federal and local law enforcement are working “to save as many lives as possible.”
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
At a Thursday morning press conference, John Donnelly, Chief of Washington’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, stated that emergency responders arrived within 10 minutes of receiving the first alert at 8:58 p.m. and immediately began rescue operations in the Potomac River.
With over 300 first responders on site, the operation has been described as highly complex, due to rough weather conditions and strong winds affecting visibility and search efforts.
Casualty Reports
While officials have not confirmed an official casualty count, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) hinted at a significant loss of life, stating:
“When one person dies, it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, it’s an unbearable sorrow… It is such a tragedy that we lost them.”
However, Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized that rescue efforts remain the priority, with teams focused on locating and saving survivors.
Who Was Onboard?
Limited information is available regarding the passengers and crew aboard both aircraft. However, U.S. Figure Skating has confirmed that “several members of its community” were among those on board, returning from a national development camp in Wichita, Kansas.
Russian state media (TASS) also reported that a former world-champion figure skating duo from Russia may have been on the flight.
President Trump’s Response
In an official statement, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences:
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. I am monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they arise.”
Trump later questioned air traffic control protocols on his Truth Social account, stating:
“It was a CLEAR NIGHT. The plane’s lights were fully visible. Why didn’t the helicopter go up, down, or turn? Why didn’t air traffic controllers intervene? This should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”
Federal Officials React
- Vice President J.D. Vance urged prayers for those affected, posting:
“Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan Airport. We’re monitoring the situation—let’s hope for the best.” - Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed he was “on-site at FAA headquarters” and closely tracking developments.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Pentagon was monitoring the incident and ready to assist if needed.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that U.S. Coast Guard assets had been deployed for search and rescue efforts.
What Happens Next?
Authorities will provide the next official briefing at 7:30 a.m. EST on Thursday at Reagan National Airport.
Key Background
The airspace surrounding Washington, D.C. is among the most heavily regulated in the world, given its proximity to sites like the Pentagon, the White House, and the U.S. Capitol.
Serious commercial airline crashes are exceedingly rare in the United States. This marks the first major passenger jet crash on U.S. soil since 2013, when Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed in San Francisco, killing three people and injuring 187.
This is also the first fatal U.S. commercial airliner crash since the 2009 Colgan Air disaster, which resulted in 50 deaths.
What We’re Watching
Federal authorities, including the FAA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and U.S. Army, have launched independent investigations into the cause of the crash. Survivor accounts, flight data, and cockpit voice recordings will play a critical role in understanding what led to this tragic mid-air collision.
Stay tuned to GlobalWorldCitizen.com for the latest updates.
