A tragic midair collision occurred on January 29, 2025, when an American Airlines regional jet, Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, crashed into a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia. The aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members at the time of impact.
The collision took place around 9 p.m. local time as the plane was making its approach to the airport. In the aftermath, a massive search and rescue operation was launched in the Potomac River, where at least 18 bodies have been recovered so far. The condition of the three U.S. soldiers aboard the Black Hawk remains unknown.
Former President Donald Trump acknowledged the disaster, praising first responders while also criticizing air traffic control for its handling of the situation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies have begun investigations, and all flights at Reagan Airport have been temporarily halted.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over air traffic control procedures and the safety of military and civilian aircraft sharing airspace in close proximity. Authorities continue to investigate, with further updates expected in the coming days.
