American Airlines Jet, Army Helicopter Collide Over Potomac

American Airlines Jet, Army Helicopter Collide Over Potomac \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ An American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided in midair near Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport, killing all 67 aboard in the deadliest U.S. air disaster since 2001. Investigators are examining altitude discrepancies and air traffic control communications to determine the cause. Recovery teams have retrieved 55 bodies so far, while debris is being transported for analysis. Victims include figure skaters, students, and military personnel.

Washington D.C. Midair Collision: Quick Looks

• 67 Killed in Deadly Crash: An American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided over the Potomac River, marking the deadliest U.S. air disaster since 2001.
• NTSB Investigates Altitude Discrepancy: Flight data suggests conflicting altitude readings, with the jet at 325 feet and the helicopter at 200 feet before impact.
• Last-Minute Air Traffic Control Call: Controllers cleared the jet for a new runway, moments before warning the helicopter to hold position—but there was no response.
• Recovery Efforts Underway: 55 bodies have been recovered, with more than 300 responders and two Navy barges assisting in debris removal.
• Victims Include Figure Skaters, Students, Soldiers: Among the 67 victims were teen skaters, Russian coaches, labor union workers, and three Army personnel.
• Trump Blames Helicopter Altitude & Diversity Hiring: President Trump claims the helicopter flew too high and suggests air traffic control diversity efforts played a role—but provided no evidence.
• Families Visit Crash Site: Relatives of victims were escorted to the Potomac River on Sunday to pay their respects.
• Preliminary Report Expected in 30 Days: A full NTSB investigation could take over a year, but an initial report is expected within a month.

Deep Look

A tragic midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter sent both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River Wednesday night, killing all 67 people aboard. The disaster, which occurred just three miles from the White House, is the deadliest U.S. aviation accident since 2001.

As recovery efforts continue, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating altitude discrepancies, flight data, and air traffic control communications to determine what went wrong.

The Crash: What Happened?

The American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. It was in its final approach to Reagan National Airport when the collision occurred.

The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was conducting a routine training exercise with three experienced military pilots aboard.

The sequence of events leading up to the crash is now under scrutiny:

• Air traffic controllers initially cleared Flight 5342 for a new landing approach to a shorter runway.
• The Black Hawk pilot acknowledged having visual contact with the jet.
• Less than 30 seconds before impact, a controller instructed the helicopter to “hold position”—but received no response.
• The two aircraft collided moments later, plunging into the river.

The crash site, located midway along the Potomac River, left debris scattered across the water, with the jet breaking into three sections upside-down in waist-deep water.

Recovery Efforts Underway

By Monday morning, authorities had recovered 55 bodies, with officials confident they will locate all victims.

The recovery operation has involved:

• More than 300 responders, including Navy salvage teams and divers.
• Two large barges lifting debris from the river.
• A crane-assisted vessel, which has extracted sections of the aircraft for transport to a hangar.

“Dignified recovery of remains takes precedence,” said Col. Francis B. Pera of the Army Corps of Engineers, emphasizing the careful process undertaken by rescue crews.

Investigation: What Went Wrong?

The NTSB is analyzing flight data from:

• The jet’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder
• The helicopter’s black box

Conflicting altitude readings between the two aircraft have emerged as a key factor:

• The jet’s flight recorder placed its altitude at 325 feet (±25 feet).
• The control tower data listed the helicopter at 200 feet—its legal altitude limit.

Additionally, the jet’s flight recorder detected a last-second pitch adjustment, suggesting an evasive maneuver—though investigators have not confirmed whether pilots were attempting to avoid the crash.

Full investigations typically take a year, though a preliminary report is expected within 30 days.

Trump Blames Helicopter Altitude, Diversity Hiring in Air Traffic Control

President Donald Trump has publicly blamed the helicopter crew, claiming it was flying too high. He also suggested federal diversity hiring initiatives—particularly for air traffic controllers—may have contributed to the disaster.

When pressed by reporters for evidence, Trump was unable to provide specific details supporting his claims.

Victims: Who Was on Board?

The crash claimed the lives of passengers and crew from diverse backgrounds, including:

• Members of the Skating Club of Boston, returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
  • Among them were teenage skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, their mothers, and two Russian-born world champion coaches, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
• A group of hunters who had attended a guided trip in Kansas.
• Nine students and parents from Fairfax County, Virginia.
• Four Maryland-based steamfitters, members of a local labor union.
• Two Chinese nationals.

The plane captain was identified as Jonathan Campos, 34.

The Army Crew: Highly Experienced Pilots

The three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk helicopter were:

• Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, Durham, NC (Pilot)
• Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, Great Mills, MD (Pilot)
• Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, Lilburn, GA (Crew Chief)

Army officials emphasized that the crew was highly experienced and well-acquainted with Washington D.C.’s congested airspace.

Families Visit the Crash Site

On Sunday, grieving families were escorted to the Potomac River’s edge, where they paid their respects.

Authorities provided buses with a police escort, ensuring a private moment for loved ones at the site of the tragedy.

What’s Next?

With the NTSB investigation ongoing, critical questions remain:

• Did a miscommunication between air traffic control and the helicopter contribute to the crash?
• Were both aircraft at their correct altitudes?
• Could the disaster have been avoided if the jet had not changed runways?

As the search for answers continues, the nation mourns the 67 lives lost in this devastating midair collision.

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