Tragedy strikes as American Airlines jet collides with military helicopter
- An American Airlines regional jet collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter during landing.
- Sixty passengers and four crew members were on board the plane, while three military personnel were on the helicopter.
- Rescue efforts have not reported any survivors, indicating a high fatality count from this tragic incident.
On January 29, 2025, a major aviation incident occurred in the United States when an American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter during a nighttime training mission over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport. The aircraft was on its final approach, carrying a total of 64 people, including 60 passengers and four crew members, after departing from Wichita, Kansas. Following the collision, the plane crashed into the Potomac River, highlighting the severity of the incident. The military helicopter was piloted by the U.S. Army and had three personnel on board at the time of the accident. Emergency response teams consisting of over 300 first responders, including firefighters, police, and emergency medical services, were dispatched to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations. The conditions were particularly challenging due to the low visibility from the nighttime sky, cold weather temperatures near freezing, and the murky waters of the Potomac River. Despite the extensive efforts, early reports indicated that there were no survivors found as of the following morning. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) initiated investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash, which is considered one of the most fatal aviation disasters in the United States in over 15 years. President Donald Trump expressed his condolences and appreciation for the first responders' work, raising questions about the communication and visual contact between the aircraft and the helicopter during their approach maneuvers. In response to the tragic incident, American Airlines issued statements conveying their concerns and sympathies for all affected aboard both the plane and the helicopter. As additional information surface from the investigations, the aviation community and public await updates on the event and its ramifications.