A tragic mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night has left more than 60 people dead, marking one of the worst air disasters in recent U.S. history.
Officials have confirmed that all passengers and crew aboard American Eagle Flight 5342—operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines—along with three service members aboard a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, have perished. The aircrafts collided while the passenger jet was approaching its final descent into Reagan National Airport, sending both plummeting into the icy waters of the Potomac River.
“At this point, we do not believe there were any survivors,” said D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly at a Thursday morning press conference. He added that search efforts had transitioned into a recovery operation, with 28 bodies recovered so far—27 from the aircraft and one from the helicopter.
Flight 5342 was en route from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, when disaster struck. The Army helicopter was on a standard training flight with three service members onboard when it was involved in the collision.
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Authorities say both aircraft were flying along their designated paths and following standard procedures. However, investigators are now trying to determine what led to the catastrophic mid-air collision.
“Both the helicopter and the airplane were flying in standard flight patterns, and there was no reported breakdown in communication,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Officials told that all flights involving the Army unit linked to the incident have been temporarily paused as an investigation unfolds.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the country, particularly within the figure skating community, as several athletes, coaches, and their families were among the passengers.
Among those onboard were former Russian world champion figure skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, both highly regarded for their contributions to the sport.
“We have been told that there are no survivors. We mourn with all those who have been impacted,” said Wichita Mayor Lily Wu at a press briefing.
Passengers on the flight were returning from U.S. Figure Skating’s National Development Camp in Wichita. The skating world has expressed deep sorrow, with tributes pouring in from clubs and organizations around the globe.
Political Reactions
In the wake of the crash, President Donald Trump made headlines by suggesting—without presenting evidence—that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may have played a role in the tragedy. He accused former Democratic presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama of weakening FAA hiring standards, though officials have not indicated that DEI initiatives had any bearing on the crash.
Additionally, Trump announced the appointment of Chris Rocheleau as acting FAA administrator, signaling an immediate shift in leadership at the agency.
A multi-agency investigation has been launched to determine what caused the collision. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense (DOD) are working together to analyze air traffic communications, flight paths, and operational data.
Authorities say preliminary findings may take several weeks, with a full report likely to take months.
“We are committed to finding answers,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. “Our goal is to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.”
Rescue crews are battling against freezing temperatures and difficult conditions as they work to recover victims from the wreckage. So far, 28 bodies have been pulled from the water, and officials expect the toll to rise as recovery efforts continue.
Donnelly reiterated that every effort is being made to bring closure to the families. “We will work to recover all those who lost their lives and reunite them with their loved ones,” he said.
As tributes pour in, communities across the U.S. are grappling with the loss of loved ones. The figure skating world, in particular, has suffered an immense tragedy, losing dedicated athletes, coaches, and families who had devoted their lives to the sport.
In the coming days, vigils and memorials are expected as the nation grieves this devastating loss. While the investigation continues, the victims’ families and communities remain at the heart of this heartbreaking chapter in aviation history.
This is a developing news, and more details will emerge as officials provide updates.
