A midair collision between an American Eagle flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., resulted in no survivors. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly confirmed that recovery operations have begun, with 28 victims recovered. The tragic crash occurred on January 29, 2025, over the Potomac River.
A deadly midair collision occurred on January 29, 2025, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport between an American Eagle regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Tragically, no survivors are expected, and recovery operations have begun.
The crash took place shortly before 9 p.m. when the American Airlines flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the military helicopter, which had been performing a routine training mission. Authorities confirmed that 27 victims were recovered from the plane, along with one person from the helicopter. Officials stated that recovery efforts would continue as they work to reunite the victims with their families and identify them.
Among the passengers on the American Eagle flight were U.S. figure skaters returning from a training camp in Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, two Russian skating champions were reported to be on board.
The incident, which saw both aircraft fall into the Potomac River, marks the first major accident involving a U.S. commercial airliner in over 16 years. Emergency responders and officials are focused on locating the remaining bodies and providing closure to the victim's loved ones.
