Eyewitness Recounts Horrific Midair Collision
While driving home Wednesday night on the George Washington Parkway near Ronald Reagan National Airport, Alexandria resident Ari Shulman witnessed a horrifying sight: a “spray of sparks” in the night sky as American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair.
The crash, described by authorities as the first major U.S. air disaster in 16 years, shattered the commuter plane and military helicopter into pieces. Both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River, claiming the lives of all 67 people on board—64 passengers and crew from the American Airlines jet and three crew members aboard the Black Hawk helicopter.
“I looked back, and [the plane] was banked all the way to the right… illuminated yellow underneath, with a spray of sparks on the underside,” Shulman told media. “I knew something was very wrong because it was so close to the ground.” Moments later, he glanced back and saw the plane vanish from the sky. “I didn’t see a fireball or explosion. It was just gone.”
Tragic Scene Confirmed by Video Footage
Security video released shortly after the crash aligned with Shulman’s account, showing the American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 on its final approach to Reagan National with 60 passengers and four crew members when it was struck by the Black Hawk helicopter. The helicopter was traveling south with a three-person crew on board.
According to eyewitness accounts and video evidence, the commuter jet was “banked all the way to the right” just before the collision.
No Survivors Found
At a press conference early Thursday, Washington, D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly confirmed that the wreckage of both aircraft had been found in the Potomac River. The airplane was discovered “inverted” and in three pieces in waist-deep water, with the helicopter located nearby.
“At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident,” Donnelly said solemnly.
The grim search-and-rescue mission quickly transitioned into a recovery operation. First responders recovered 27 bodies from the airplane and one from the helicopter as of Thursday morning. Donnelly detailed the challenging conditions of the rescue efforts, noting frigid temperatures, ice in the water, and poor visibility.
“The water is dark, murky, and about 8 feet deep,” he said. “It’s dangerous and hard to work in, but our divers are doing everything possible to recover the victims and debris.”
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Prepared Hospitals Left Empty
As the crash unfolded, three major Washington, D.C., hospitals mobilized their medical teams to treat victims. However, as the minutes turned to hours, it became heartbreakingly clear that no survivors would be arriving from the crash site.
Heartbreaking Aftermath
Fire boats and search helicopters worked tirelessly throughout the night, combing the icy river for wreckage and personal belongings. Suitcases and other debris were transported back to shore, where grieving family members waited for answers.
Inside Reagan National Airport, the usually bustling terminals were eerily silent. Departure and arrival boards displayed few updates, reflecting the tragedy that had struck. According to Jack Potter, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, American Airlines set up a family assistance center in its airport lounge to support those awaiting news about their loved ones.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this unimaginable tragedy,” Potter said.
