Tragic Mid-Air Collision: American Airlines Flight and Military Helicopter Crash in D.C.
On the evening of January 29, 2025, a devastating accident occurred near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter over the Potomac River.
![Tragic Mid-Air Collision: American Airlines Flight and Military Helicopter Crash in D.C. Tragic Mid-Air Collision: American Airlines Flight and Military Helicopter Crash in D.C.](https://content.tupaki.com/h-upload/2025/01/30/1500x900_675019-b.gif)
On the evening of January 29, 2025, a devastating accident occurred near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter over the Potomac River. The collision involved a CRJ700 jet, designated as flight AA5342, en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and a Black Hawk helicopter. Tragically, the airplane, which was attempting to land and carried 64 individuals including crew members, met with disaster around 9 p.m. local time. Swiftly after the incident, emergency responders rushed to the scene to commence rescue operations in the river.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) verified that the crash implicated a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. Nonetheless, the specifics regarding those aboard the helicopter and the exact cause of the mid-air collision remain uncertain at this stage. The search for answers is ongoing, with authorities committing to share more information as it surfaces.
In the wake of this tragic event, Vice President JD Vance extended his sympathies, calling on the public to "pray for the victims" involved in the unfortunate incident. Adding to the government's response, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed that President Trump was promptly briefed about the collision. Leavitt noted, "the collision appeared to involve a military helicopter and a regional jet," highlighting the involvement of both military and civilian aircraft in this distressing occurrence. The investigation into this tragic incident is still active, with officials determined to uncover the details surrounding this catastrophic event.