On January 29 2025 a crash occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport between a passenger jet and a U.S Army helicopter. The collision erupted into flames sending both aircrafts into the Potomac River, killing 67 people leaving no survivors. The American Airlines flight carried 60 passengers and four crew members. Many of the passengers on the American Airlines flight were on their way home from a national figure skating competition. The Black Hawk helicopter, which was conducting a military training exercise, carried a three-person crew.
Despite clear skies and open communication with the air traffic control, the two aircrafts collide raised concerns as to how it happened sparking a federal investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board alongside the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army have opened up an investigation regarding the causes of this event. This investigation entails analyzing flight data, air traffic control communications, and possible human or technical failures. Experts have noted that the possible bright lights and it being a high traffic area could have played a role.
In response to the tragedy, recovery operations have been underway as dozens of bodies were pulled from the Potomac River. As of February 5, all 67 victims of D.C. midair collision have been recovered from Potomac River and 66 have been identified. The chief medical examiner’s office is still working to identify the final victim.