Rescue teams search for survivors after American Eagle Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the Potomac River near the U.S. Capitol, as seen from Virginia on January 30, 2025. REUTERS



Investigators are still searching for answers after a tragic mid-air collision at Washington’s Reagan National Airport left 67 people dead in the worst U.S. air disaster in over two decades. The crash involved an American Airlines Bombardier jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, both of which plunged into the Potomac River on Wednesday night.

Authorities recovered the black boxes from the passenger jet, which carried 60 travelers and four crew members. The victims included figure skaters, passengers from Kansas, and several international citizens from Russia, the Philippines, Germany, and China. The identities of all those lost have yet to be released.

Investigators also secured flight recorders from the military helicopter, which may provide additional insights into the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has begun collecting wreckage and storing it in a hangar for examination. Search and rescue divers continue efforts to retrieve remaining debris from the river.

While both aircraft were following standard flight patterns, it remains unclear why the collision occurred. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that there was no communication breakdown before the accident. However, air traffic control recordings reveal that controllers warned the helicopter about the approaching jet, instructing it to change course.

A single controller, instead of the usual two, was handling plane and helicopter traffic at the time of the crash. Although officials deemed this setup adequate for lower traffic volumes, some sources described the situation as “not normal.” A shortage of air traffic controllers has been a growing concern in the U.S., with many working mandatory overtime to cover gaps.

The airspace around Washington is notoriously busy, with three major commercial airports and several military bases. Reagan National, in particular, has experienced multiple close calls in recent years. Concerns over its congested runways have been raised repeatedly, yet little has changed.

Amid the unfolding investigation, former President Donald Trump stirred controversy by blaming federal diversity policies for the disaster, despite lacking any evidence to support his claims. Critics, including rights groups and politicians, accused him of politicizing the tragedy rather than focusing on supporting the victims' families.

Trump also suggested that the helicopter pilots and air traffic controllers may have been at fault. However, the pilot of the American Eagle flight had six years of experience, while the Army crew was conducting a routine training flight using night-vision goggles. The military has since grounded flights from the involved unit as a precaution.

Air traffic recordings captured a final, chilling exchange before the crash. A controller asked the helicopter, “PAT25, do you have a CRJ in sight?” Seconds later, another pilot radioed in, saying, “Tower, did you see that?” Moments later, a fireball lit up the night sky as both aircraft disappeared into the river.

With the investigation still in its early stages, officials have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash. The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within a month.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Airstrike On Gaza School Kills 27, Says Health Officials

At least 27 people died after an airstrike hit a school in Gaza City. The building, Dar al-Arqam school, was....

Survivors Found Days After Myanmar’s Deadly Earthquake

Two men have been rescued from the rubble in Myanmar, more than five days after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake....

South Korea's President Yoon Removed Over Martial Law Move

South Korea’s top court removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office on Friday. The decision came four months after he....

India Passes Controversial Bill Changing Muslim Endowment Rules Amid Opposition

India’s parliament passed a bill on Thursday that changes the rules for managing Muslim charitable endowments known as waqfs. Prime....

Gaza hit by deadly strikes as Israel pushes new military route

Israel's prime minister announced an expansion of military operations in Gaza, aiming to put more pressure on Hamas. Deadly airstrikes....

Deadly Storms And Tornadoes Threaten Millions Across The U.S.

Strong, warm winds blowing at 50 mph swept into southwestern Tennessee on Wednesday, knocking out power for thousands. This was....

Putin Orders 160,000 New Troops As Ukraine War Intensifies

Russia is launching one of its biggest military recruitment drives in years. President Vladimir Putin has signed an order to....

Trump Places Tariffs On Remote Islands Near Antarctica

A group of isolated volcanic islands near Antarctica, covered in ice and home only to penguins, is now caught in....

Israel Expands Gaza Operation To Seize Large Areas, Orders Mass Evacuations

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Wednesday a major expansion of the military operation in Gaza. The plan includes....

Palestinian Man Tortured To Death After Criticizing Hamas, Family Says

A 22-year-old Palestinian man, Uday Rabie, was tortured and killed after publicly criticizing Hamas and joining protests against the group....

Iceland Volcano Erupts, Forcing Evacuations Near Grindavik

A powerful volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland has forced residents and tourists to evacuate. The volcano erupted early in the....

U.S. Seeks Death Penalty For Luigi Mangione In CEO’s Murder

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has ordered federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione. He is accused....