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What We Know About the Fatal Mid-Air Collision Between Helicopter and Jet Near White House

An American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the Potomac River after a midair collision near Reagan Airport. At least 18 bodies have been recovered as search efforts continue.

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What We Know About the Fatal Mid-Air Collision Between Helicopter and Jet Near White House

A United States Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional passenger jet collided in mid-air Wednesday night, sending both aircraft crashing into the frigid waters of the Potomac River. Authorities have confirmed at least 18 bodies recovered, and search and rescue operations continue in the collision.

Aircrafts Involved in the Collision

Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a military aircraft that is commonly used for air assault, medical evacuation, and special operations. The helicopter had the call sign PAT25. The Aviation Safety Network reported that the helicopter was carrying three crew members at the time of the crash. Since its introduction in the mid-1970s, over 5,000 Black Hawks have been built.

Bombardier CRJ700

The Bombardier CRJ700, a regional commercial jet seating approximately 70 passengers, was also involved in the crash. Registered as N530EA and manufactured in 2010, the aircraft was operated by PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines. The plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when the accident occurred.

Eyewitness Accounts and Response Efforts

Terrifying images took the moment of impact, which included the night sky erupting in bright flames as both aircraft plunged into the river. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed early Thursday that both aircraft were submerged and emphasized that rescue efforts remain the top priority.

“The focus now is rescuing people, and that’s what all of our personnel are focused on,” Bowser said to CNN.

Freezing temperatures and strong river currents brought obstacles to recovery efforts for the authorities. Authorities have had a tremendous challenge.
Fireboats, divers, and agencies working around the clock were retrieving survivors and victims.

Investigation of the Cause of the Collision

The incident has raised serious questions about how a passenger jet equipped with advanced collision-avoidance technology could crash into a military helicopter over one of the most tightly controlled airspaces in the country. Washington’s airspace is typically busy, with commercial planes frequently landing at Reagan Airport and helicopters transporting military personnel and government officials throughout the day and night.

Air disasters have previously occurred along the Potomac River, such as the January 1982 crash of Air Florida Flight 90, where 78 people were killed. This was due to inadequate de-icing, which was the cause when the Boeing 737 hit the river shortly after takeoff. The last major fatal air crash in the United States happened in 2009, when Continental Flight 3407 crashed from New Jersey to Buffalo, New York, killing all its occupants, who numbered 49.

Ongoing Search and Investigation

The authorities are still searching for more bodies and investigating the cause of the collision. The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded flights at Reagan National Airport until further notice. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are working closely with the FAA and military officials to determine what led to the tragic crash.

American Airlines has issued a statement expressing concern for passengers and crew, urging family members seeking information to contact their emergency helpline.

The situation remains fluid, with officials expected to provide further updates in the coming days.