An American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army helicopter collided in midair near Washington D.C.'s Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night, resulting in a tragic incident that claimed the lives of all 67 individuals on board. This marks the deadliest air disaster in the United States since 2001.
The cause of the crash, which occurred 3 miles south of the White House and U.S. Capitol, is currently under investigation as recovery crews work to retrieve wreckage from the Potomac River. So far, 55 bodies have been identified, with authorities expressing confidence in locating all victims.
The regional jet, originating from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members and was in the process of landing. The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, was engaged in a training exercise and had three soldiers on board, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Weather conditions were clear at the time of the collision.
Prior to the incident, air traffic controllers had requested Flight 5342 to utilize a shorter runway, to which the pilots agreed. As the plane adjusted its approach, less than 30 seconds before the collision, the helicopter pilot confirmed visual contact with the jet. However, moments later, the two aircraft collided.
Recovery efforts have been underway, with crews using a crane to retrieve wreckage from the river. More than 300 individuals have been involved in the recovery operation, including divers and salvage workers who adhere to strict protocols to ensure the dignified recovery of remains.
Initial data from flight recorders indicated conflicting altitude readings between the two aircraft, with investigators analyzing the information to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting a thorough investigation and aims to provide a preliminary report within 30 days.
Among the victims were members of the Skating Club of Boston, teenage figure skaters, parents and students from Fairfax County, Virginia, and other individuals returning from various trips. The plane captain was identified as Jonathan Campos, while the Army helicopter crew included Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves.
Families of the victims visited the crash site to pay their respects and gain closure following this tragic event.
