Tragic Midair Collision Near Washington, D.C. Claims 67 Lives
In a devastating aviation disaster, an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, January 29. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft, marking one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent U.S. history.
The PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating on behalf of American Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., when it collided with the Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk around 9 p.m. ET. The accident occurred as the passenger jet was approaching Runway 33, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three soldiers onboard. Tragically, the impact caused the jet to crash into the Potomac River.
During a White House press briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump confirmed the grim reality, stating that there were no survivors. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, he observed a moment of silence and described the night as “dark and excruciating” for the nation. The president also emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest safety standards in the aviation sector, announcing the immediate appointment of Christopher Rocheleau as the acting FAA commissioner. Rocheleau, a 22-year veteran of the agency, is expected to lead efforts in investigating the crash and ensuring future safety measures.
As emergency responders and investigators work tirelessly to recover wreckage and determine the cause of the collision, the nation mourns the lives lost in this unimaginable tragedy. Families of the victims are being offered support, while aviation authorities and military officials collaborate to understand what led to the catastrophic midair crash. The incident has raised urgent concerns about air traffic safety protocols and the need for enhanced measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.