American Airlines Plane and Army Helicopter Collide Near Reagan National Airport
By: Wise News Network Staff
Washington, DC (WNN)— On the night of Wednesday, January 29, 2025, an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The collision caused both aircraft to crash into the Potomac River. President Donald Trump confirmed in a press conference on January 30, 2025, that there were no survivors from the crash.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching Reagan National Airport when the accident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. local time. The military helicopter was conducting routine training operations at the time of impact.
CBS sources confirmed the flight crew of the American Airlines passenger jet was based out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Search-and-Recovery Operation Underway
John Donnelly, the chief of Washington’s fire department, confirmed in a news conference Thursday morning that rescue teams recovered 27 bodies from the wreckage of a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night. One body was recovered from the plane and one body was recovered from the helicopter.
“At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident,” Donnelly said.
The search has now shifted from a “search-and-rescue operation to a recovery operation,” Donnelly said, as recovery teams continue to comb the Potomac River for additional wreckage and victims.
Hundreds of Personnel Involved in Search Efforts
Hundreds of personnel were involved in the search effort, which was complicated by the river’s near-freezing temperatures and low visibility. Officials did not immediately provide a cause for the collision but emphasized that both the helicopter and the plane were following standard flight patterns.
“Everything was standard in the lead-up to the crash,” Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said. “Now, obviously something happened here, but you’ll get more information and more details as this investigation moves forward. We’ll learn what happened.” Later, in a press conference, Duffy mentioned that they plan to investigate this situation as quickly as possible.
Tragic Losses Among Victims
Among the victims were two young figure skaters, two of their parents, and two highly regarded Russian coaches. Doug Zeghibe, chief executive of the Skating Club of Boston, confirmed Thursday that skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, along with coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were among those killed.
“This will have long-reaching impacts for our community,” Zeghibe said during a news conference, where he was visibly emotional, according to the Associated Press.
Condolences from First Lady Melania Trump
First Lady Melania Trump offered her condolences to those affected by the crash.
“My heart goes out to those impacted by last night’s terrible tragedy,” she said in a statement Thursday morning. “I pray for those who so sadly lost their lives, their families & loved ones, & the first responders who have worked tirelessly through the night. May they find strength and solace in this difficult time.”
Obama and Trump Respond to Tragedy
Former President Barack Obama responded to the tragedy after 67 people were feared dead in the collision. He posted on social media Thursday morning:
“Our hearts break for the families who lost loved ones in the tragic plane and helicopter crash at DCA. Michelle and I send our prayers and condolences to everyone who is mourning today, and we’re grateful to the first responders who are doing everything they can to help under extremely difficult circumstances.”
President Donald Trump also shared his thoughts on the tragedy via Truth Social, thanking first responders for their efforts.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident that just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
Scale of Tragedy
If confirmed, the casualty numbers would make this incident the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in nearly 16 years, with a total of 67 lives lost—64 aboard the American Airlines flight and three soldiers in the military helicopter.
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