Man discovers airplane wreckage near Potomac River

In January, a tragic mid-air collision occurred near Reagan National Airport, involving an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, leading to the death of 67 people. This calamity shook the local community and raised concerns about air traffic safety in the area. Months later, on a Sunday in early September 2025, a man named Andrew Guevara, while walking his dog along the Potomac River in Northern Virginia, stumbled upon airplane debris that included what appeared to be a seat cushion and a tray table. Recognizing the significance of his discovery in relation to the earlier accident, Guevara promptly reported the findings to the authorities. His timely action ensured that the debris was taken into custody by the D.C. Harbor Patrol, paving the way for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to examine it for any potential connections to the tragic event. The Alexandria Police Department confirmed that they responded to the report and were working closely with the NTSB to investigate the wreckage further. Guevara expressed his relief in knowing that the pieces would be evaluated and hoped that future discoveries would be reported in a similar manner to assist with the ongoing investigation into the mid-air accident. This incident not only highlights the importance of community vigilance but also underlines the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind the January collision that took away so many lives.