A tragic midair collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and an Army helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport resulted in the loss of 67 lives, including over a dozen figure skaters. The incident occurred late Wednesday as the airplane transported 60 passengers and four crew members after arriving from Wichita, Kansas, while the helicopter had three soldiers onboard. President Trump confirmed during a Thursday briefing that there were no survivors from the crash.
The wreckage of the airplane was discovered upside down, fragmented into three sections and partially submerged in waist-deep water. The helicopter debris was also located nearby. Recovery efforts retrieved at least 28 bodies from the icy waters of the Potomac River; however, authorities have yet to determine the cause of the incident, noting that flight conditions were reported to be clear at the time. U.S. Figure Skating announced that several skaters, along with their coaches and family members, were returning from a development camp that followed the recent national championships in Wichita.
Among the victims were two Chinese nationals, confirmed by the Chinese embassy in the U.S. The embassy expressed its condolences and indicated plans for consular assistance and support for the victims’ families while requesting verification of the information with U.S. officials.
Experts in aviation have expressed ongoing concerns over the congested airspace surrounding Washington D.C., suggesting it posed risks even to seasoned pilots. Ross Aimer, a retired United Airlines captain and CEO of Aero Consulting Experts, stated, “This was a disaster waiting to happen,” highlighting that seasoned professionals have warned about potential catastrophes due to systems being overstretched. Less than 24 hours before the accident, a regional jet had to execute a go-around maneuver to avoid a military helicopter at the same airport.
The deadly collision marks a rare occurrence in commercial aviation within the U.S., especially considering that the deadliest crash prior to this incident occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York, resulting in 45 fatalities. The collision involved a Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine aircraft and a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, leading to significant public focus on aviation safety. Jason Ambrosi, the president of the Air Line Pilots Association, announced that their accident investigation team was collaborating closely with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) while affirming the importance of allowing the investigation to unfold without speculation.
An FAA report indicated that one air traffic controller was managing multiple positions at the time of the crash, a situation that, although described as “not normal,” was consistent with staffing procedures allowing for breaks during shifts. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, along with various lawmakers, criticized President Trump’s remarks suggesting that diversity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives contributed to the incident, calling such claims “despicable.”
Despite long-standing issues with air traffic controller shortages and concerns about fatigue, the FAA reported that it had met hiring goals by bringing in 1,800 new controllers. Aviation experts maintain that midair collisions are extremely rare, with one noting that a flight is statistically safer than the drive to the airport.
The Army has experienced a rise in aviation accidents recently, prompting safety evaluations and operational pauses to reassess safety protocols. Army officials characterized the Blackhawk crew as very experienced, familiar with the flight paths typically used around D.C.
Following the collision, flights from Reagan Airport resumed at around 11 a.m. on Thursday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy assured the public that the U.S. maintains the safest airspace globally. If confirmed, the incident will be recorded as the deadliest in U.S. aviation since 2001.
Trump’s comments regarding the responsibility for the crash have drawn criticism, with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressing that such commentary during a period of mourning for families is inappropriate. Moreover, other politicians have condemned Trump for spreading conspiracy theories without evidence.
As the investigation proceeds, the National Transportation Safety Board is focusing on the factual circumstances surrounding the crash. Both the FAA and NTSB are collaborating to understand the causes behind this tragic event.
Coast Guard units have joined rescue efforts, with ongoing searches in the Potomac River. An initial recovery found 27 deceased from the jet, but further investigations are underway to confirm total casualties. The terrible outcome has led to a national conversation on aviation safety and protocols to ensure such an incident doesn’t repeat.
