By: CA Staff Writer | Jan 31, 2025
On the evening of Wednesday, January 29, 2025, a tragic midair collision occurred near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The accident resulted in the deaths of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft. apnews.com
The American Airlines flight, operating as Flight 5342, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The U.S. Army helicopter had three military personnel on board. The collision took place in the vicinity of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, leading to both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. cbsnews.com
Among the victims were rising teen figure skaters from Boston, their mothers, and two former Russian world champions, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Skater Spencer Lane and his mother, Christine, and fellow skater Jinna Han and her mother, Jin, were all onboard. Pilots Sam Lilley and Jonathan Campos, and flight attendants Ian Epstein and Danasia Elder, were also identified. Soldiers Ryan O’Hara and Andrew Eaves were on the helicopter. Several more passengers were also identified, including figures from diverse backgrounds such as attorney Elizabeth Anne Keys, biology professor Lindsey Fields, and GE Aerospace employee Vikesh Patel. nypost.com
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the cause of the collision. Preliminary data indicates that the civilian plane was circling the area when the crash occurred. npr.org
Authorities have transitioned from a rescue to a recovery operation, with first responders continuing to search for bodies in the Potomac River. nypost.com
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the media, expressing condolences to the families of the victims and emphasizing the administration’s commitment to a thorough investigation. nypost.com
This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the United States in over two decades, highlighting ongoing concerns about airspace safety in congested regions.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the circumstances leading to this tragic event.
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