WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rescue crews are working in the Potomac River after an American Airlines regional jet collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night, leading to a devastating crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Authorities confirmed that at least 30 bodies have been recovered, but search efforts are ongoing to locate possible survivors among the 67 people believed to have been on board both aircraft.
For more information, visit https://t.co/ECDOdj1kdr. pic.twitter.com/Z5vWq4vUJ2
— The FAA ?? (@FAANews) January 30, 2025
Victims Include Members of U.S. Figure Skating Community
On Thursday morning, U.S. Figure Skating issued a statement confirming that several of its athletes, coaches, and family members were on the passenger jet. They had been traveling home from the National Development Camp, held in Wichita, Kansas, in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Russian government officials also confirmed that two former world champion skaters, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were among those on board. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that additional Russian citizens were on the flight.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives,” Peskov said.
Crash Details and Rescue Efforts
American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines on a Bombardier CRJ-701, was arriving from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk around 9 p.m. The crash happened as the jet was approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport.
According to officials, 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the jet, while three soldiers were in the military helicopter. The helicopter, which was on a training mission, was assigned to Fort Belvoir, a military installation in Virginia.
Rescue operations have been complicated by strong winds, rough waters, and cold temperatures, said D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr. More than 300 emergency responders from multiple agencies are participating in the effort.
“We are still in the rescue phase,” Donnelly said during an early morning press conference. “Conditions are difficult, but we are committed to finding survivors.”
Reagan National Airport Closed, Flights Diverted
All flights at Reagan National Airport (DCA) were immediately grounded following the incident. The airport is expected to remain closed until at least 11 a.m. Thursday, with flights being diverted to Dulles International Airport (IAD).
“All takeoffs and landings have been halted,” the airport announced at 9:15 p.m. “Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield.”
Government Response and Investigation
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the crash and issued a statement late Wednesday night.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls,” Trump said. “I am monitoring the situation and will provide updates as we receive more information.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Department of Defense is actively monitoring the situation, while newly appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation.
According to FlightRadar, the military helicopter involved in the crash was not broadcasting ADS-B data, which typically provides information about an aircraft’s location, altitude, and speed. The FAA noted that air traffic controllers had requested the pilots of Flight 5342 to land on Runway 33, a shorter runway at Reagan National, just moments before the collision.
Air Traffic Safety Concerns at Reagan National
The crash comes amid growing concerns over air traffic safety at Reagan National Airport. In 2024, the airport experienced two near-miss incidents involving commercial aircraft. The accidents reignited debates over whether DCA could handle additional flights, as lawmakers had been lobbying to increase air traffic at the airport despite concerns from local officials.
Senator Jerry Moran, who serves as Chairman of the Aviation Safety Subcommittee, acknowledged that he was familiar with Flight 5342’s route and had personally lobbied for American Airlines to add direct service from Wichita to Reagan National.
“I know that flight; I’ve flown it many times myself,” Moran said. “This flight has only been in operation for a year.”
However, Moran clarified that the additional flights approved in 2024’s airport expansion plan did not include this particular route.
Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
Investigators have yet to determine what caused the collision or whether mechanical failure or human error played a role. The FAA and NTSB will be leading the official investigation, and a preliminary report is expected in the coming weeks.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, pending family notifications.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Fireboats and emergency teams continue working at the crash site, but it remains unclear how long the recovery operation will take. Officials stressed that conditions on the Potomac River remain challenging, and efforts to locate additional victims will take time.
This is a developing story, and officials are expected to provide more updates as the investigation continues.
