- American Airlines jet and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collide midair near Washington, D.C.
- The crash occurred over the Potomac River, causing multiple fatalities.
- All flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were temporarily halted.
- Emergency responders launched a large-scale search-and-rescue operation in the river.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and military officials have begun an investigation.
On Wednesday night, January 29, 2025, a tragic midair collision happened near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. An American Airlines regional jet with 60 passengers and four crew members crashed into a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The military aircraft had three soldiers on board and was on a training mission.
The crash occurred over the Potomac River, just three miles from the White House and U.S. Capitol. Emergency teams rushed to the scene and started a massive search-and-rescue operation in the freezing water. Officials have confirmed multiple fatalities, but they are still figuring out the exact number of victims.
Rescue and Emergency Response
Following the crash, law enforcement helicopters and inflatable rescue boats were dispatched to the Potomac River. First responders worked from the George Washington Parkway, setting up light towers to assist with night-time operations.
Authorities halted all takeoffs and landings at the airport, citing safety concerns. FAA data showed that the passenger jet rapidly lost altitude from 400 feet while traveling at approximately 140 mph. The plane’s radio transponder stopped transmitting just 2,400 feet short of the runway.
Eyewitness Accounts and Government Response
President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy, stating that he had been “fully briefed on this terrible accident” and added, “May God bless their souls.”
Aviation experts and air traffic controllers are now piecing together the final moments before impact. Flight tracking data revealed that the jet was initially cleared to land on Runway 33 before controllers asked the pilot to adjust its approach. Less than 30 seconds before the crash, a controller reportedly asked the Black Hawk crew if they had the jet in sight, followed by an urgent instruction: “PAT 25, pass behind the CRJ.” Moments later, the two aircraft collided.
Investigators Search for Answers in Black Hawk Crash
The FAA and NTSB have launched a full-scale investigation. Officials will review flight data, air traffic control logs, and radar records. They aim to find out what went wrong and why the crash happened.
The U.S. Army confirmed the Black Hawk was on a routine training mission. Military aircraft often operate in restricted airspace near Washington, D.C. These flights support government continuity planning and national security.
On the night of the crash, Washington, D.C., recorded a temperature of 60°F. The Potomac River’s temperature was 36°F, with wind gusts reaching 25 mph. The incident reminds many of Air Florida Flight 90, which crashed into the Potomac in 1982, killing 78 people.
Airport Closure and Safety Concerns After Midair Collision
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will stay closed until at least 5 a.m. Friday. The airport sits along the Potomac River and is a top choice for travelers. Its location near D.C. landmarks like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and U.S. Capitol makes it especially convenient.
Passengers with upcoming flights should check with their airlines for updates. Officials are working hard to clear debris and assess the damage. Delays and cancellations may continue as they ensure the airport is safe for travel.
The midair collision over Washington, D.C., has caused a tragic loss of life and raised major aviation safety concerns. Investigators are trying to find the cause, while authorities focus on rescue efforts and supporting victims’ families. The incident has left the city in shock, urging urgent safety reviews.