American Airlines Jet Collides with Helicopter Near Reagan National
Washington, D.C., Thursday, 30 January 2025.
A tragic collision between an American Airlines flight carrying 64 people and a Black Hawk helicopter resulted in no survivors, marking the first major U.S. aviation accident since 2009.
Devastating Impact and Immediate Response
The collision occurred on January 29, 2025, at approximately 20:48 EST when American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport [1][4]. The commercial aircraft, carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members, had departed from Wichita, Kansas [2]. The military helicopter, based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, had three soldiers aboard on a training mission [4]. Following the collision, both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River [1].
Search and Recovery Operations
Approximately 300 rescue workers launched an immediate response, facing challenging conditions including freezing temperatures and icy waters [1][4]. As of January 30, 2025, recovery teams have retrieved 28 bodies - 27 from the plane and one from the helicopter [4]. D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly confirmed that no survivors are expected from this tragic incident [4][5].
Notable Passengers and Impact
Among the passengers were several members of the U.S. Figure Skating community, who were returning from the National Development Camp at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita [4]. The incident has prompted the closure of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, with operations scheduled to resume after 11:00 a.m. on January 30, 2025 [4]. This crash marks the first major commercial airline disaster in the United States since 2009 [1][3].
Official Response and Investigation
President Donald Trump, scheduled to address the nation on January 30, 2025, at 11:00 EST, has been fully briefed on the situation [1]. U.S. Transport Secretary Sean Duffy stated the crash “was preventable” and indicated there was “no breakdown in communication” [1]. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with support from the FBI Washington Field Office [4]. The incident has raised questions about U.S. aviation safety and congestion at Reagan National Airport, particularly following the approval of 10 new flight slots in 2024 [1].