Investigators Probe Deadly Midair Collision Near Washington, D.C.

Today at 4:22 pm

1808 posts

Investigators Probe Deadly Midair Collision Near Washington, D.C. \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Investigators are searching for answers after a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The crash, which killed 67 people, is the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in nearly 25 years. Recovery efforts continue, with more than 40 bodies recovered and investigations underway to determine the cause.

Reagan Airport Midair Collision: Quick Look

Deadly Crash: An American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided over Washington, D.C., killing 67 people.
Investigation Ongoing: Authorities are examining flight data recorders and airspace conditions to determine the cause.
Airport Operations Disrupted: Two main runways at Reagan Airport remain closed, affecting hundreds of flights.
Victims Identified: The Army has released names of two soldiers, while efforts continue to recover remains.
FAA Restrictions: Helicopter traffic near the airport is now limited as a safety precaution.
Trump Comments: Former President Donald Trump criticized the Army helicopter’s altitude, sparking controversy.
Past Concerns: Experts have long warned that congested airspace near D.C. poses collision risks.
Cruise Ship Assistance: A tour boat was repurposed to provide warmth and rest for rescue workers.

Reagan Airport Midair Collision: A Deep Look

Aviation Disaster Near Washington, D.C.

A catastrophic midair collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has left 67 people dead, marking the worst aviation disaster in the U.S. in nearly 25 years. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday, involved an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the military are now piecing together the events leading up to the collision. While officials have declined to speculate on the cause, the accident has raised new concerns about Washington, D.C.’s congested airspace.

The Aftermath: Recovery and Investigation

Rescue and recovery teams have been working tirelessly at the crash site in the Potomac River. As of Friday, more than 40 bodies have been recovered, with 28 victims positively identified. Fire Chief John Donnelly Sr. confirmed that next of kin notifications have been made for 18 families.

The crash disrupted airport operations, forcing the closure of two out of the three runways at Reagan Airport. Terry Liercke, the airport’s vice president and manager, estimated that the runways would remain closed for about a week, but the timeline is being regularly reassessed.

Victims Identified: U.S. Army Personnel Among the Dead

The U.S. Army has released the names of two soldiers who died in the crash.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, 39, from Great Mills, Maryland, was a Black Hawk pilot who previously served in the U.S. Navy from 2007 to 2017.
Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, from Lilburn, Georgia, was the crew chief of the helicopter.

A third crew member’s name has not yet been released at the request of the family.

Both soldiers had distinguished military careers, earning multiple commendation and achievement medals. O’Hara had also deployed to Afghanistan in 2017.

FAA Responds With New Flight Restrictions

In response to the tragedy, the FAA has indefinitely restricted helicopter traffic near Reagan Airport. This move comes as authorities continue search and recovery operations. The restricted airspace affects low-altitude flight paths often used by military and government aircraft.

Eyewitnesses and Wreckage Found in the Potomac River

A local riverkeeper, Dean Naujoks, was granted permission to patrol the Potomac River near the crash site. His patrol uncovered personal belongings and aircraft debris, including:

A piece of an interior plane wall with a window frame.
Pages from a flight manual.
A woman’s sweater.
A seat cushion from the cockpit.

Naujoks described the emotional impact, saying, “Everything is covered in jet fuel… It’s a punch to the gut.”

Trump Comments on the Crash

Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the tragedy via Truth Social, claiming the Army Black Hawk helicopter was flying too high before the crash.

“It was far above the 200-foot limit. That’s not really too complicated to understand, is it?” Trump wrote.

The comments sparked controversy, especially as Trump previously blamed diversity initiatives for weakening aviation safety standards.

Experts Warned of D.C.’s Crowded Airspace

Aviation experts have long voiced concerns over Washington, D.C.’s complex air traffic environment.

Retired United Airlines captain Ross Aimer called the accident “a disaster waiting to happen.”
Hundreds of aircraft, including military planes, helicopters, and commercial jets, navigate tight corridors near restricted zones every day.
Just 24 hours before the crash, another regional jet had to maneuver to avoid a military helicopter in the same area.

Black Box Recovery Efforts Ongoing

The Army Black Hawk’s black box has not yet been recovered, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Investigators are still searching for:

Cockpit voice recordings.
Flight data logs.
Night vision goggle usage records.

Meanwhile, the NTSB has confirmed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the American Airlines jet have been recovered and sent for analysis.

Support for First Responders

In the wake of the crash, a City Cruises harbor tour boat provided support for rescue workers and divers. The crew offered food, warmth, and blankets to first responders working in freezing conditions.

Looking Ahead: A Long Investigation Process

Aviation disaster investigations typically take months or longer. Officials stress that it’s too soon to draw conclusions, and all possible factors, including pilot error, air traffic control decisions, and mechanical issues, will be examined.

With 67 lives lost, this crash stands as a tragic reminder of the dangers of operating in one of America’s most congested airspaces. The coming weeks will bring more details and, potentially, policy changes aimed at preventing future tragedies.