Collision of American Airlines jet and Black Hawk helicopter results in fatalities

On January 30, 2025, a tragic midair collision occurred above the Potomac River, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the United States, involving an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. The incident unfolded around 9 p.m. as the commercial aircraft, identified as American Eagle Flight 5342, was inbound for landing, carrying a total of 64 individuals, including 60 passengers and four crew members. Meanwhile, the military helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60, had three soldiers aboard at the time of the accident. The collision resulted in the two aircraft crashing into the icy waters of the river, which were at approximately 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Immediately following the incident, all flights at Reagan National Airport were grounded, and first responders mobilized quickly to navigate the complex rescue operations. The challenging conditions, marked by rough waters, darkness, and subzero temperatures, significantly hindered the effectiveness of search and rescue efforts. As of late Wednesday night, recovery teams reported at least 18 bodies had been recovered from the water. Emergency services faced considerable obstacles as they deployed divers and boats in an attempt to locate survivors amidst the debris fields spread throughout the river. With a heightened sense of urgency, rescue operations were complicated by the severe cold and presence of ice. Officials from various agencies, including local police and emergency medical services, were present at the scene. Among those reflecting on the profound tragedy was President Donald Trump, who expressed his thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families, emphasizing the necessity of understanding the causes behind the crash. The event marks a significant aviation disaster, being the first major commercial crash in the United States since the Buffalo crash in 2009.