A helicopter and a regional jet collided over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., killing all 67 people on board. Officials are investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred in one of the world's busiest and most monitored airspaces.
A midair collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet resulted in the tragic loss of all 67 people on board both aircraft. The incident occurred late Wednesday evening as the helicopter seemingly flew into the path of the jetliner while it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport, located just across the Potomac River from Washington , D.C. At least 28 bodies were recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River .
The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three soldiers on board. President Donald Trump confirmed that there were no survivors, stating, 'We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.' The crash unfolded before 9 p.m. within some of the most closely monitored and controlled airspace in the world, situated just over 3 miles south of the White House and the Capitol.Federal investigators, who are conducting a thorough probe into the cause of the crash, emphasized that they would refrain from speculation. The flight data recorders, crucial pieces of evidence, remained submerged in the water. The plane was discovered upside down, broken into three sections, resting in waist-deep water. Search and rescue teams meticulously combed miles of the Potomac River, while divers recovered the mangled wreckage of the plane's fuselage. The helicopter wreckage was also located. Images captured from the river showed boats surrounding the partially submerged wing and the debris scattered across the surface.American Airlines CEO Robert Isom stated that the plane was approaching normally when 'the military aircraft came into the path' of the jet. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that a single air traffic controller was responsible for coordinating both helicopter traffic and arriving and departing aircraft when the collision occurred. Typically, these duties are divided between two individuals, but the airport often combines the roles at 9:30 p.m., when air traffic typically slows down. On Wednesday, the tower supervisor directed the consolidation of these roles earlier. The FAA report noted, 'The position configuration was not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic.' However, a source familiar with the situation explained that the tower staffing that night was at a standard level. The positions are frequently combined when controllers require breaks, during shift changes, or when air traffic is light. The FAA has long faced a shortage of air traffic controllers. Officials confirmed that the flight conditions were clear as the jet arrived from Wichita, Kansas, carrying passengers including a group of elite young figure skaters, their parents and coaches, and four union steamfitters from the Washington area.A top Army aviation official stated that the helicopter crew, a Black Hawk, was 'very experienced' and accustomed to the dense flying that occurs daily around the city. Both pilots had flown this specific route previously, at night. This was not unfamiliar territory for either one of them,' said Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for Army aviation. Koziol revealed that the helicopter's maximum allowed altitude at the time was 200 feet. While it remains unclear whether the helicopter exceeded this limit, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that altitude appeared to be a factor in the collision. Koziol emphasized that investigators need to analyze the flight data before reaching any conclusions about the helicopter's altitude. President Trump began the news conference with a moment of silence in honor of the victims, describing it as an 'hour of anguish' for the nation. However, he devoted most of his time to assigning political blame, criticizing former President Joe Biden's administration and diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), alleging they had contributed to a decline in standards. This occurred despite acknowledging that the cause of the crash remained unknown. Without presenting evidence, Trump blamed air traffic controllers, the helicopter pilots, and Democratic policies implemented at federal agencies. He made unfounded claims that the FAA was 'actively recruiting workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems, and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative.'Inside Reagan National Airport, a somber atmosphere prevailed as stranded passengers waited for flights to resume. They avoided the cameras, gazing out the windows at the Potomac River where recovery efforts were barely visible in the distance. Aster Andemicael had been at the airport since the previous evening with her elderly father, who was scheduled to fly to Indiana to visit relatives. She spent much of the long night contemplating the victims and their families. 'I've been crying since yesterday,' Andemicael said, her voice trembling. 'This is devastating.
Air Crash Mid-Air Collision Washington D.C. Potomac River Military Helicopter Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Disaster
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