An American Airlines flight, operating as PSA Airlines flight 5342, collided with a U.S. Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025, at approximately 9 p.m. EST. The collision occurred mid-air as the passenger jet was approaching the airport for landing.
U.S. Army Helicopter
The passenger jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, was carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members and had departed from Wichita, Kansas. The helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk, was on a training flight with three soldiers on board and belonged to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion out of Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
Rescue Operation
The collision resulted in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. A large search and rescue operation was immediately launched, involving multiple agencies including the D.C. Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Tragically, there were fatalities in the crash. As of January 30, 2025, at least 18 bodies had been recovered from the river, with no survivors found. The search for additional victims was ongoing.
The incident prompted a swift response from government officials. President Trump was briefed on the situation and expressed his condolences. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon was actively monitoring the situation and ready to provide assistance.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched investigations into the cause of the collision. Investigators will analyze various factors, including air traffic control communications, weather conditions, and aircraft maintenance records, to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash.
This tragic accident highlights the inherent risks of aviation and the importance of continuous efforts to improve safety protocols and technologies. The loss of life in this collision is a stark reminder of the human cost of such incidents and the need for thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences.