67 fatalities in midair collision mark the worst US aviation disaster in nearly 25 years.

ARLINGTON, Va. — A tragic midair collision between an Army helicopter and a regional jet resulted in the loss of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft. Officials provided updates Thursday as they evaluated the military pilot’s actions during this catastrophic incident, marking the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States in nearly 25 years.

Reports indicate that at least 28 bodies have been retrieved from the frigid Potomac River following the collision, which took place as the helicopter entered the flight path of the American Airlines jet during its landing approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport. The jet was carrying 60 passengers, four crew members, and the helicopter had three soldiers aboard.

During a press conference at the White House, President Donald Trump confirmed that there were no survivors from the incident. “We are now transitioning from a rescue operation to a recovery operation,” stated John Donnelly, the fire chief of Washington, D.C.

The crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m. in a highly regulated area of airspace located just over three miles south of key government landmarks, including the White House and the Capitol. Investigations into air crashes usually require extensive time, and officials have clarified that they will not speculate on the incident’s cause.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board managed to recover both the cockpit voice and flight data recorders from the Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft, as announced by agency spokesperson Peter Knudson. The wreckage of the plane was located upside down in sections while responders scoured the river for additional evidence. Visuals from the site showed boats maneuvering around a partially submerged airplane wing and debris from the plane’s fuselage.

American Airlines’ CEO, Robert Isom, stated that the plane was on a routine landing approach when the military helicopter unexpectedly entered its flight path. An investigative report from the Federal Aviation Administration mentioned that only one air traffic controller was handling both helicopter traffic and aircraft arrivals and departures at the time of the collision, despite such responsibilities typically being divided between two controllers during peak periods.

On that evening, the airport management had opted to unify these roles earlier than their usual 9:30 p.m. practice, which raised questions about the adequacy of air traffic coverage. However, sources familiar with the situation indicated that staffing levels that night were generally considered standard.

Flight conditions were reportedly favorable when the regional jet arrived from Wichita, Kansas, carrying a group of young elite figure skaters along with their families and coaches, in addition to four local steamfitters.

Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for Army aviation, remarked that the crew of the Black Hawk helicopter was well-versed and experienced in navigating the congested airspace typical for the area. Both pilots were familiar with the route and had previously flown it at night; however, the helicopter’s altitude at the time of the crash raised concerns, although specifics regarding whether it exceeded its permitted altitude are still under investigation.

During the news conference, Trump began with a moment of silence for the crash victims, describing the incident as a time of collective sorrow for the nation. However, he soon pivoted to political discourse, targeting former President Joe Biden’s administration and suggesting that diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration had compromised aviation standards. He claimed without evidence that controllers, pilots, and federal policies had contributed to the tragic event.

The atmosphere inside Reagan National Airport was heavy as passengers awaited the resumption of flights, avoiding cameras while gazing at the recovery operations taking place in the river. Aster Andemicael reflected on her emotional state while waiting with her elderly father, expressing her grief for the victims. “I’ve been crying since yesterday,” she shared, her voice filled with sadness. “This is devastating.” Flights at the airport resumed around midday.

This crash marks the most catastrophic aviation accident in the U.S. since an American Airlines plane crashed in Belle Harbor, New York, in 2001, killing 265 people. The last significant crash involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred near Buffalo, New York, in 2009, resulting in 50 fatalities.

Despite such tragedies, experts affirm that air travel remains incredibly safe. The National Safety Council notes a far greater risk associated with car travel. The collision zone near Reagan National is known to be complex, testing pilots’ skills even in clear conditions due to heavy traffic from commercial and military flights and secure zones surrounding vital sites.

The crash has left a profound impact on Wichita, known for its pride in being the heartland of America, where the community hosted events like the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The city has deep ties to the aviation industry, being home to Bombardier’s U.S. headquarters. Hundreds rallied for a prayer vigil in memory of the victims, emphasizing unity as essential for healing. “We will get through this, but the only way we will get through this is together,” remarked the Rev. Pamela Hughes Mason of St. Paul AME Church.

Flight 5342, entering Reagan National at approximately 400 feet and traveling at about 140 mph, began a rapid descent right before the crash, according to radio transponder data. Minutes prior, air traffic control had redirected the jet to use a shorter landing path, and just moments before the collision, the controller confirmed with the helicopter crew that they could see the incoming plane. A quick exchange led to the request for visual separation, granting them closer flight proximity before the tragic incident occurred.