American Airlines Crash – A devastating mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a US Army helicopter has sent shockwaves through Washington, DC. The incident occurred late Wednesday night when the aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, leaving 18 bodies recovered so far and sparking a massive rescue operation in freezing conditions.
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What Happened?
At approximately 9:00 PM local time on Wednesday, a PSA Airlines jet operating as American Airlines Flight 5342 collided mid-air with a US Army Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The passenger plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, had departed Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The helicopter, part of B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was on a training mission with three US soldiers on board.
As the aircraft approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the collision occurred, causing both to plummet into the icy Potomac River. Early reports indicate the plane broke in half upon impact, while the helicopter flipped upside down in the water.
Authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are investigating. Audio purportedly capturing air traffic control warnings to the helicopter has surfaced, but its authenticity remains unverified.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Washington DC officials have refrained from confirming a final casualty count, focusing instead on an ongoing rescue operation. However, a police source confirmed to media that 18 bodies have been recovered.
The tragedy claimed members of the US figure skating community, including athletes, coaches, and family members returning from a development camp in Kansas, according to US Figure Skating.
Approximately 300 first responders have deployed to search for survivors in challenging conditions, battling icy waters and strong winds.
“This is a dangerous and complex operation,” said Washington DC Fire Chief John Donnelly. “The icy conditions make it difficult to access and work in the area.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Ari Schulman, who was driving along the George Washington Parkway, described the plane’s unusual descent:
- “It banked hard to the right, and sparks streamed underneath, like a giant Roman candle.”
Jimmy Mazeo, dining at a nearby park, recounted irregular flight patterns at the airport and a “white flare” in the sky before the crash.
Official Reactions
President Donald Trump expressed sorrow over the tragedy, thanking first responders and vowing to monitor the situation closely. On his TruthSocial account, he questioned how such an incident could occur, calling it “NOT GOOD!!!”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has promised a thorough review of flight paths and potential changes if necessary, while American Airlines CEO Robert Isom offered his deepest condolences, describing the incident as “heartbreaking.”
US Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas echoed this sentiment, mourning the loss of lives from his home state.
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