Fri Jan 31 19:46:52 UTC 2025: ## Deadly Midair Collision Claims 67 Lives Near Washington D.C.
**Arlington, VA** – A devastating midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter has resulted in the deaths of all 67 people on board, marking the deadliest U.S. air crash in over two decades. The accident occurred Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, sending both aircraft into the frigid Potomac River.
As of Thursday night, 41 bodies have been recovered from the river, with search and recovery efforts continuing Friday despite challenging weather conditions, including rain and strong winds. Divers are facing difficult conditions in the cold water to locate any remaining victims and crucial evidence. The wreckage of the American Airlines jet was found in three sections and inverted.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has secured the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the plane, as well as the helicopter’s recording device. These will be vital in determining the cause of the collision, although the NTSB has stated that a probable cause will not be determined until after a thorough investigation, expected to yield a preliminary report within 30 days.
The American Airlines flight, en route from Wichita, Kansas, carried 60 passengers and four crew members. The Black Hawk helicopter, part of a routine training exercise, had three crew members aboard. Among the victims were several members of a figure skating team traveling from a championship, as well as a civil rights attorney and other international travelers.
While the investigation is ongoing, President Trump offered condolences but also speculated, without evidence, about potential contributing factors such as night vision goggles and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. This prompted questions about premature conclusions based on insufficient evidence.
Local and federal authorities, including the D.C. Fire and EMS, are coordinating the recovery and investigation, with Mayor Muriel Bowser expressing condolences and praising the efforts of first responders. The incident is the deadliest U.S. air crash since 2001.
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