The tail section of the Air Florida jetliner that crashed in the Potomac River in Washington on Wednesday is hoisted by a crane onto a floating barge after being removed, Monday, Jan. 19, 1982 from the water. A span of the 14th Street bridge which the plane did not hit is shown in background. (AP Photo)
Midair Tragedy: American Airlines Jet Collides with Military Helicopter Over Washington, Crashing into Potomac River
A devastating midair collision unfolded Wednesday night as an American Airlines passenger jet, carrying 64 people, crashed into a military helicopter while attempting to land at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. The impact sent the aircraft plunging into the nearby Potomac River just before 9 PM, triggering a massive emergency response.
Search and Recovery Efforts Underway
Rescue teams are combing the river in treacherous conditions, with freezing temperatures complicating efforts. Law enforcement sources have confirmed multiple fatalities, and as of yet, no survivors have been rescued. CBS reports indicate that 18 bodies have been recovered, and divers are exploring three debris fields.
Air traffic control audio from the moment of impact reveals the desperate exchange between controllers and Helicopter. One controller is heard asking the Black Hawk crew, “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?” Moments later, another pilot radios in, saying, “Tower, did you see that?” Immediately, all other flights at Reagan National were diverted as emergency protocols were enacted.
Shocking Surveillance Footage Captures Collision
Airport surveillance footage captured the horrifying moment the two aircraft collided midair, illuminating the night sky in a fiery explosion. Additional video from a nearby observation camera at the Kennedy Center also shows the two sets of aircraft lights merging before erupting into flames.
Emergency response images from the crash site show rescue boats surrounding visible parts of the aircraft fuselage and a wing protruding from the water. First responders, including over 300 personnel, are working tirelessly in harsh conditions.
Air Traffic Control Recordings Reveal Last Moments
Air traffic control audio from the moment of impact reveals the desperate exchange between controllers and Helicopter. One controller is heard asking the Black Hawk crew, “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?” Moments later, another pilot radios in, saying, “Tower, did you see that?” Immediately, all other flights at Reagan National were diverted as emergency protocols were enacted.
Investigation and Response
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the FAA is launching a full-scale investigation, including a review of flight paths around Reagan National. The airport temporarily halted all takeoffs and landings following the tragedy, though the terminal remains open.
Emergency responders described the search conditions as “extremely rough,” citing darkness, ice, and freezing water temperatures of 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Meteorologists warn that at these temperatures, anyone submerged has only 15 to 20 minutes before succumbing to hypothermia.
Loved Ones Await News as Rescue Efforts Continue
As the search for survivors continued into the early hours, small groups of loved ones and bystanders gathered silently along the Potomac River, watching as helicopters scanned the black waters with searchlights. Hamaad Ramza, whose wife was on Flight 5342, told WUSA, “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak. I’m just praying to God.”
Meanwhile, rescue boats and emergency vehicles lined the riverbanks, their flashing lights casting eerie reflections on the water, with the illuminated Capitol building and Washington Monument standing in the background.
This tragic event echoes past aviation disasters and raises urgent questions about air traffic safety near the nation’s capital. Investigators are now working to determine the exact cause of the crash, while families wait anxiously for updates on their loved ones.
