Gina Heslop
A devastating plane crash near Washington, D.C., has left the country in mourning.
On Wednesday evening, a Black Hawk military helicopter collided mid-air with an American Airlines passenger jet, resulting in a catastrophic accident. The crash happened around 9:00 PM as the commercial plane, Flight 5342, was approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport.
The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by PSA Airlines, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
The military helicopter, a UH-60 Black Hawk from the 12th Aviation Battalion, had three soldiers aboard for a training mission. The impact sent both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River.
No Survivors Expected
Rescue teams rushed to the scene, but the chances of finding survivors are slim. The icy waters of the river have made search efforts difficult. So far, divers have recovered at least 18 bodies, and officials fear that everyone on board may have perished.
Authorities confirmed that the American Airlines jet broke into two pieces upon impact and is now submerged about seven feet underwater. Recovery operations are ongoing, with search teams looking for more victims.
World Champion Skaters Among the Victims
Among those killed were world champion figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the pairs title at the 1994 World Figure Skating Championships.
The couple had been returning from the U.S. National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas, along with other skaters, coaches, and family members.
Reports suggest that as many as 15 figure skaters were on the plane. U.S. Figure Skating released a statement expressing their deep sorrow:
“These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts.”
Eyewitness Accounts and Investigation
Moments before the crash, an air traffic controller reported seeing a massive fireball over the Potomac River. CBS News obtained audio recordings from those monitoring the accident. One official was heard saying:
“It was probably out in the middle of the river. I just saw a fireball, and then it was just gone.”
Another pilot flying nearby reported seeing flares from the opposite side of the river. Search and rescue teams are working around the clock to recover remains and investigate what caused the collision.
Official Statements
An Army spokesperson confirmed that the Black Hawk helicopter was on a routine training mission out of Fort Belvoir. Meanwhile, American Airlines set up a helpline for families who may have lost loved ones.
In response to the tragedy, former President Donald Trump released a statement:
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which took place at Reagan National Airport.”
