Tragedy struck on January 29, 2025, when an American Airlines aircraft and a US Army helicopter collided mid-air over the Potomac River, resulting in a devastating loss of life.
The American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ701ER, was carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members from Wichita, Kansas, to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The helicopter, a Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk, had 3 crew members on board.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, but challenging weather conditions hindered the search for survivors. As of January 30, 2025, recovery efforts have located 28 bodies.
Investigations into the cause of the collision are underway, led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the US Department of Defense. Government officials, including President Donald Trump, have offered condolences to the families of the victims.
