Devastating Collision: Over 60 Feared Dead as Jet and Helicopter Crash into Potomac River

Washington, D.C. — A tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter has left more than 60 people feared dead after the aircraft plunged into the icy waters of the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday.

District of Columbia Fire Chief John Donnelly confirmed at a Thursday press conference that initial recovery efforts had uncovered 28 bodies, with hopes dwindling for any survivors. “At this point, we do not believe there were any survivors,” he stated, emphasizing the grim reality of the incident, which is shaping up to be the deadliest U.S. air crash in over two decades.

The passenger jet, American Eagle Flight 5342, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter was on a training flight with three soldiers aboard. Among the passengers were notable U.S. and Russian figure skaters returning from a competition in Wichita, Kansas, including former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. “We mourn with all those who have been impacted,” said Wichita Mayor Lily Wu.

As investigations began, reports indicated that the collision occurred as the jet was approaching to land. Air traffic control communications showed the helicopter crew was aware of the passenger jet’s presence. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented that both aircraft were operating within standard flight patterns and that there was no communication breakdown prior to the incident. “Do I think this was preventable? Absolutely,” he remarked.

The airspace around Washington, D.C., is notoriously congested, with three commercial airports and numerous military facilities in close proximity. Concerns regarding safety have been heightened following various near-miss incidents, including a close call in May 2024.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the helicopter was operated by a “fairly experienced crew” wearing night-vision goggles during their annual proficiency training. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a briefing regarding the crash at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, expressing his concerns earlier on Truth Social, questioning the actions of both the helicopter crew and air traffic controllers.

The crash not only marks a significant aviation tragedy but also deeply affects the tight-knit figure skating community. Doug Zeghibe from the Skating Club of Boston expressed profound sorrow, stating, “We have lost family.”

In a somber note, the Kremlin extended condolences to the families of the Russian victims, amidst reports that no immediate communication is planned between President Vladimir Putin and President Trump.

Rescue operations faced challenging conditions, with cold and windy weather complicating efforts for the 300 personnel on the scene. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin confirmed that most bodies had been recovered, reiterating the routine nature of operations leading up to the accident and noting, “Something went wrong.”

This incident is shaping up to be the most catastrophic air disaster since November 2001, which saw an American Airlines flight crash shortly after takeoff from New York, resulting in the loss of all 260 people on board.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on understanding how such a devastating collision could occur in one of the busiest airspaces in the nation, raising questions about aircraft safety and the pressures on air traffic control systems.