ARLINGTON, Va. — A tragic midair accident involving an Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet resulted in the loss of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft. Investigators are closely examining the actions of the military pilot, as this incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States in nearly 25 years.
Officials reported that at least 28 bodies were recovered from the frigid waters of the Potomac River after the helicopter reportedly collided with the jet while it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport late Wednesday. The regional jet had 60 passengers and four crew members, while three soldiers were on the helicopter.
According to a report from the Federal Aviation Administration, a single air traffic controller was managing both helicopter traffic and the incoming and outgoing planes at the time of the accident. Typically, two controllers share this duty, especially during peak hours, but during the night, these roles are often combined to streamline operations. The supervisor in the control tower had opted to merge these responsibilities earlier than usual, resulting in atypical staffing for the time and traffic volume.
Investigators noted that the combination of roles is a common practice when controllers take breaks, change shifts, or when air traffic is light. Despite the merger of duties, a representative said that the staffing levels at the tower that evening were standard.
During a news conference, President Donald Trump confirmed that no survivors had been found. “We are now transitioning from a rescue operation to a recovery mission,” said John Donnelly, fire chief in the nation’s capital.
Investigations into air crashes usually require significant time, and federal investigators refrained from speculating about the cause. Key pieces of evidence, such as flight data recorders, were still submerged at the time of the report, according to Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board.
The wreckage of the jet was discovered capsized and divided into three parts, located in waist-deep water. Rescue teams were extending their search area along the Potomac River, as far down as the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, approximately three miles from the airport. Images captured at the scene depicted boats surrounding the partially submerged wreckage of the plane, with portions of its fuselage visible.
Flight conditions were reportedly clear when the jet arrived from Wichita, Kansas. An Army aviation official highlighted that the Black Hawk helicopter crew was highly experienced and well-versed in navigating the busy airspace around Washington, D.C.
“Both pilots had flown this specific route at night previously, so this was not unfamiliar territory for them,” said Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for Army aviation. The helicopter’s maximum operational altitude during the crash was set at 200 feet, although it was unclear if this limit was exceeded. Nevertheless, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that altitude might have played a role in the incident.
Trump began the White House press conference by honoring the victims with a moment of silence, describing it as a “moment of national sorrow.” However, he quickly pivoted to blame, targeting the previous administration, specifically former President Biden and the FAA for perceived declines in safety standards, despite acknowledging that the cause of the crash remained unknown.
During the news conference, Trump made unsubstantiated claims regarding air traffic controllers and helicopter pilots, accusing the FAA of “actively recruiting workers who suffer from severe disabilities.” Meanwhile, at the airport, passengers were left in limbo, waiting for flights to resume while reflecting on the tragic events, with many visibly shaken.
Aster Andemicael, who had been at the airport with her elderly father en route to Indiana, shared her grief. “I’ve been crying since yesterday,” she said, emotionally distressed as she considered the victims and their families.
Official operations at the airport resumed around midday. Newly appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pointed out that there were “early indicators” regarding the cause of the crash but did not provide further details.
This catastrophic incident represents the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States since November 2001, when an American Airlines flight crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of all 260 passengers and crew. Prior to this, the last major fatal crash involving a commercial airline took place in 2009 near Buffalo, New York.
Despite the tragedy, flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation, with statistical comparisons highlighting the dangers associated with driving. Wednesday’s flight included figure skaters, their coaches, and family members returning from an event connected to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.
This disaster has left a significant impact on Wichita, a city recognized as a core part of America and a notable hub for the aviation industry. Following the accident, hundreds of residents attended a prayer vigil organized by Mayor Lily Wu to honor the victims and their families.
Carla Lee, a local retired professor, expressed her grief while preparing for a similar trip next week. “It really brings home how fleeting life can be,” she remarked.
The FAA reported that the collision occurred before 9 p.m. EST in one of the most intricately monitored airspaces in the world, just over three miles from the nation’s landmarks. The flight was approaching at an altitude and speed when it unexpectedly lost control moments before impact. The jet was cleared for landing moments before the controller communicated with the helicopter, instructing it to maneuver behind the arriving plane.
