Thu Jan 30 21:18:16 UTC 2025: ## Mass Casualty Midair Collision Kills 89 near Reagan National Airport

**Arlington, VA** – A devastating midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday night has resulted in at least 89 fatalities. Authorities have confirmed the recovery of 28 bodies, and believe there are no survivors.

American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was approaching the airport from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 64 people (60 passengers and 4 crew) when it collided with the Black Hawk helicopter at low altitude around 8:48 PM EST. The helicopter, carrying three crew members on a training exercise from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was traveling in the opposite direction.

The impact, witnessed by onlookers and captured on video, resulted in a fiery explosion. The wreckage fell into the frigid waters of the Potomac River, hampering rescue efforts. First responders, including over 300 personnel from multiple jurisdictions, faced challenging conditions in the dark, icy water.

Among the victims are members of the U.S. Figure Skating team, several Russian figure skaters, coaches, and family members, according to U.S. Figure Skating and Russian state media. Former Russian world champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova were also identified among the deceased. President Trump stated that passengers from at least two other countries were also on board.

Reagan National Airport was temporarily closed following the crash, but operations have since resumed.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. President Trump, in a White House press briefing, offered unsubstantiated theories, including blaming diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and suggesting shortcomings in air traffic control communications and helicopter pilot awareness. He also announced the appointment of Christopher Rocheleau as acting FAA commissioner.

The National Transportation Safety Board and American Airlines are assisting in the investigation. The names of the Black Hawk crew members are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The incident marks one of the worst air disasters in U.S. airspace in recent history.

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