DC Plane Crash: 67 Dead After Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan Airport – What We Know

Sixty-seven people are believed to have died after a passenger plane hit a military helicopter in mid-air near Washington DC's Ronald Reagan airport on Wednesday evening. The collision, a horrifying event captured on video, sent shockwaves across the nation and the world. The American Airlines flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 originating from Wichita, Kansas, was moments away from landing when it collided with a US Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The impact resulted in the plane breaking apart and sinking into the icy Potomac River, while the helicopter landed upside down in the water. Hundreds of first responders braved challenging conditions, including floating ice and wreckage, in a desperate but ultimately futile search for survivors.

The Victims

The passenger plane carried 64 passengers and four crew members. Among them were several figure skaters, their families, and coaches from the Skating Club of Boston. Russian world champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were also among the victims. The helicopter carried three soldiers. Details about the victims are slowly emerging, as families and organizations identify those lost in this devastating tragedy. A range of nationalities were represented among the passengers, highlighting the global impact of this tragic event. The plane's captain, Jonathan Campos, was a recent graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, whose aunt confirmed his lifelong dream was to fly planes.

The Crash

The collision occurred at approximately 9:00 PM local time (2:00 AM GMT) as the plane approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Eyewitnesses described seeing sparks and a white flare before the impact. One eyewitness, Ari Schulman, noted the plane's approach initially seemed normal before a sharp turn to the right with sparks illuminating its underside. Another, Jimmy Mazeo, observed irregular flight patterns of planes approaching the airport. After the impact, the passenger plane fragmented and sank, while the helicopter capsized in the river.

The Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched a full investigation, retrieving the flight data recorders (black boxes) from both aircraft. The investigation is focusing on several key areas, including the helicopter's altitude, which appears to have been above the permitted limit according to analysis by the BBC's US partner, CBS News and publicly available flight data from FlightRadar24. Recordings of air traffic control conversations published online seem to indicate that a controller tried to warn the helicopter about the approaching plane shortly before the collision, and the helicopter pilot seemingly confirmed awareness, but moments later, the collision happened. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the helicopter was on an annual proficiency flight, performing a night evaluation with night-vision goggles, which President Trump stated was flying much higher than the 200ft limit.

The NTSB's investigation will also examine other factors, including human error and air traffic control staffing levels, which were reportedly lower than normal at the time of the crash, according to a preliminary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report cited by The New York Times and CBS News. This prompted questions about whether there was a possible impact due to insufficient staffing, even though a single controller managing both plane and helicopter traffic is within FAA guidelines. The investigation, with help from a veteran Black Hawk pilot, will need to examine the precise data recorded from the Black Hawk helicopter to ascertain whether its altitude was indeed too high. Reports also suggest that just 24 hours before the crash, another jet had to abort its landing at the airport after a near miss with a helicopter, further intensifying concerns about air traffic safety near Reagan National Airport. The NTSB aims to release a preliminary report within 30 days. It remains unclear, however, why this day's flight saw the helicopter much higher than usual, as mentioned by Greg Feith, a former senior air safety investigator to CBS News.

A Nation Mourns, and a President's Controversial Remarks

The crash has left the nation in mourning. Numerous politicians, including President Trump and former President Biden, have offered their condolences. However, President Trump's remarks sparked controversy when he suggested that lowered hiring standards for air traffic controllers during the Obama and Biden administrations, along with night vision goggles and diversity, equity and inclusion policies, may have contributed to the disaster. These claims were met with sharp criticism, with many calling them baseless and inappropriate during a time of national mourning. The President also announced the appointment of Chris Rocheleau as the temporary head of the FAA, following the vacancies in key positions since he took office. The president's comments quickly drew condemnation from many sources, and even the American Association of People with Disabilities refuted his claims about disabled workers. The former Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, deemed his comments despicable and refuted the claims by stating the contrary in his administration's time.

The Aftermath and Ongoing Search

The airspace above Washington DC is notoriously busy and highly regulated. This makes the incident particularly noteworthy. The investigation is multifaceted and will require extensive analysis of various factors. The NTSB investigators stated that they have recovered the two black boxes from the plane and have searched all accessible areas of the Potomac River. Passenger airliners are bound by strict flight plans, but military pilots have some leeway in their navigation. This aspect of the crash investigation is critically important as many are wondering whether a contributing factor was due to the helicopter's deviation from its pre-determined flight path. The recovery effort, though initially focused on finding survivors, shifted to recovering bodies. As of Thursday morning, officials reported recovering 28 bodies, although the actual number is closer to 40 according to CBS News. The NTSB stated they will also be investigating whether or not the Black Hawk was flying too high at the time of the crash. The airport resumed normal operations the following morning, though hundreds of flights were canceled. The tragic events were felt deeply by passengers and airport staff alike, prompting a somber mood throughout the airport. Despite this incident being the first major fatal commercial plane crash in the United States in 16 years, several people are continuing with their lives, while grieving for those affected and lost. The NTSB mentioned that their investigation will take as long as it takes, ensuring that no one has to go through the same loss and grief as the families involved.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Enhanced Safety

This devastating tragedy underscores the need for a thorough investigation to pinpoint the exact cause and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The ongoing investigation will likely provide critical insights into air traffic control procedures, helicopter flight protocols, and technological safety systems in densely populated airspace. This tragic event should serve as a catalyst for enhanced safety protocols across all aviation sectors to prevent future losses. The incident reminds us of the delicate balance of managing the intricate network of air travel near large metropolitan areas. It's crucial that thorough analysis takes place to prevent similar catastrophes in the future. The incident has deeply affected the Wichita community, who had recently hosted the Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championship, an event in which many victims participated. This tragedy weighs heavily upon the collective consciousness and will continue to be remembered as time passes.