Military Helicopter Collides with American Airlines Jet at Reagan National Airport
A Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines jet at Reagan National Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities. Investigations are ongoing, and U.S. Figure Skating confirmed community members were involved.
A military Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with an American Airlines jet at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
The deadly midair collision appears to have been caught on camera, showing a bright, fiery explosion as the two objects collided.
First responders transitioned from a rescue operation to a recovery operation, according to D.C. Fire and EMS Department Chief John Donnelly, who noted that there are likely no crash survivors. Twenty-seven bodies have been recovered from the airplane and one from the helicopter.
The collision involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet that was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was on approach to Runway 33 at the airport around 9 p.m. local time. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
At the time of the collision, the helicopter was engaged in a training mission. A Deputy Director of JTF-NCR/USAMDW Public Affairs confirmed the specifics of the training mission and stated that the investigations would include the FAA, NTSB, and the United States Army.
U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that several members of its community were aboard the aircraft, returning from the National Development Camp associated with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The organization expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended their condolences to the victims' families.
Rep. Eric Swalwell also expressed concern as he had just landed at the airport shortly before the collision and shared his thoughts for those affected.
President Trump commented on the situation, questioning why the helicopter did not alter its course and highlighting it as a preventable incident.
