Thu Jan 30 12:56:34 UTC 2025: ## Passenger Jet and Military Helicopter Collide Near Washington D.C., Killing All 67 Aboard

**Washington, D.C. -** A catastrophic midair collision between a passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport has resulted in the deaths of all 67 people on board both aircraft. The incident, which occurred around 9:00 PM (0200 GMT) Wednesday, involved a Bombardier CRJ-700 carrying 60 passengers and four crew members operated by PSA Airlines (a subsidiary of American Airlines), and a Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers on a training exercise.

According to air traffic control recordings obtained from LiveATC.net, the controller contacted the helicopter shortly before the collision, questioning its awareness of the approaching CRJ and instructing it to pass behind the passenger jet. No response was received from the helicopter before the collision. Witnesses reported hearing a series of crashes followed by urgent calls to air traffic control.

President Trump expressed condolences but quickly criticized air traffic control procedures via social media, questioning why the helicopter didn’t take evasive action and why the controller didn’t issue more direct instructions. The FAA temporarily grounded all flights at Reagan National Airport following the crash, with normal operations not expected to resume until at least 11:00 AM (1600 GMT) Thursday.

American Airlines CEO released a video statement expressing sorrow, while Senator Roger Marshall called the event a “nightmare.” The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other agencies have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, focusing on how the collision occurred in a heavily monitored airspace despite the presence of collision-avoidance technology on the passenger jet. The investigation will likely examine air traffic control procedures, the helicopter’s flight path, and the overall management of airspace around Washington D.C., which is known for its high volume of both civilian and military aircraft. The dense and complex airspace is a key aspect of the ongoing investigation.

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