WASHINGTON, D.C. — A tragic midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, has resulted in the deaths of at least 28 people, with no survivors expected to be found. The crash involved an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter, both of which plunged into the Potomac River just moments before the jet was due to land.
Collision Details and Casualties
The American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, flight 5342, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. Onboard were members of the U.S. figure skating community, including skaters, coaches, and their families, returning from a training camp. Russian media confirmed that two former world champion figure skaters, a married couple, were among the passengers.
The military helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60, was conducting a routine training mission and had three U.S. Army soldiers aboard at the time of the collision.
Rescue teams have so far recovered 27 bodies from the plane and one from the helicopter, with the fuselage of the jet found in three sections in waist-deep water. Officials have stated that recovery operations are being conducted in “extremely frigid” conditions, and no survivors are expected to be found. The crash would mark the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States in over two decades, surpassing previous records.
Timeline of the Incident
The incident unfolded at approximately 8:47 p.m. when an air traffic controller at Reagan National Airport communicated with the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on a routine training flight. Moments before the crash, the controller instructed the helicopter to “pass behind” the descending Bombardier jet.
“PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?” the controller asked, referring to the American Airlines flight, which was approaching the Potomac River for landing. Just moments later, the two aircraft collided midair, sending both planes crashing into the river.
U.S. Figure Skating Community Reacts
Among the passengers on the American Airlines flight were members of the U.S. Figure Skating team, returning from a developmental camp following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita. In a statement, U.S. Figure Skating confirmed the involvement of several team members, expressing their grief and offering support to the victims’ families.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” the organization said.
Recovery and Investigation
Rescue crews have worked tirelessly in difficult conditions to recover bodies from the wreckage. President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident, offering condolences to the victims’ families. “May God bless their souls,” he said in a statement. “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
The collision remains under investigation by both federal aviation and military authorities. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the crash, though initial reports suggest that the two aircraft may have been too close to each other as the jet was preparing to land.
A Devastating Loss
The tragic event has left the nation mourning the loss of 28 lives, including members of the U.S. figure skating community, military personnel, and their families. As recovery operations continue, the full extent of the loss is becoming clearer, marking a devastating day for aviation and the families affected by the crash.
