A devastating midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter has occurred over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., leaving a tragic toll. The incident, which occurred on January 29th, has sent shockwaves across the nation and sparked a major investigation.
American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700, was approaching Reagan National Airport when it collided with the Black Hawk helicopter around 9:00 p.m. EST. The impact sent the plane plummeting into the frigid waters of the Potomac River.
The Black Hawk helicopter, belonging to the 12th Aviation Battalion based at Fort Belvoir, was conducting a routine training mission at the time of the collision.
Witnesses to the crash described a terrifying scene of flames and debris falling from the sky. Ari Schulman, an eyewitness, recalled seeing the aircraft collide before erupting into flames.
Rescue efforts were immediately launched, but the frigid water temperatures and the darkness of night presented significant challenges. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the incident, focusing on air traffic control communications, weather conditions, and the possible causes of the collision.
This tragedy marks the most significant commercial aviation disaster in the United States since 2009, and the nation mourns the loss of life.