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Witness Describes Plane Crash Near Reagan National Airport

A helicopter uses its searchlight as it flies above the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

An eyewitness, while driving home along the George Washington Parkway near Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing a plane crash on Wednesday evening. The witness, identified as Ari Schulman, described the events leading up to the crash in detail.

Schulman initially noticed a passenger jet approaching for landing, appearing normal at first. However, within seconds, the plane suddenly banked sharply to the right, exceeding a 90-degree angle. Schulman observed sparks emanating from the underside of the aircraft, which was illuminated in a bright yellow light. The witness noted the abnormality of the plane's banking angle and the stream of sparks, indicating a critical situation.

The plane suddenly banked sharply to the right, exceeding a 90-degree angle.
The witness observed a passenger jet approaching for landing.
Sparks emanated from the underside of the aircraft, illuminated in a bright yellow light.

As the witness continued to observe the unfolding events, the plane disappeared from view, leaving a darkened sky. Schulman mentioned the challenge of visibility due to the lack of illumination in the night sky, making it difficult to track the aircraft's movements. Despite the rapid sequence of events, Schulman did not witness the plane's impact with the ground or any subsequent signs of a crash, such as flames, explosions, or smoke.

The witness emphasized the brevity of the incident, highlighting the suddenness and unexpected nature of the plane's descent. Schulman's account provides valuable insight into the moments leading up to the tragic crash near Reagan National Airport, shedding light on the initial observations and reactions of a firsthand witness.

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