A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a US military Black Hawk helicopter has occurred over Washington, D.C., sending the jet plunging into the Potomac River. The crash has left families in anguish, with one husband sharing the heartbreaking story of receiving a final text message from his wife just minutes before the tragedy.
A Collision Over the Capital:
The incident took place on Wednesday night, January 29th, when American Airlines Flight 5432, a Bombardier CRJ700, was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the collision with a US Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time.
The impact of the collision caused the passenger jet to crash into the Potomac River. Reports indicate the aircraft broke apart upon impact and is currently submerged.
A Final Text, a Husband’s Anguish:
Hamaad Raza shared the heart-wrenching story of receiving a final text message from his wife, one of the 64 passengers on board the flight. Just 20 minutes before the crash, she texted him, letting him know she was about to land. When he attempted to reply, his messages failed to deliver. “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now. That’s all I can pray for,” Raza said, his voice filled with emotion.
Military Training Flight Turns Tragic:
The Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision was reportedly on a routine training mission. The 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, confirmed the helicopter’s participation in a scheduled training flight. A Pentagon spokesperson stated, “We are working with local officials and will provide additional information as soon as possible.”
Search and Investigation Underway:
Emergency responders are engaged in a desperate search and rescue operation to find any survivors. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the mid-air collision. The identities of the victims have not yet been released. This tragedy has cast a pall over the nation’s capital, and the thoughts and prayers of many are with the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event.