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Last night, a tragic midair collision occurred involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a US Army Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter over Washington D.C., leading to both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. The incident marks the end of a 16-year period without fatal crashes in US commercial aviation, with the last being Colgan Air Flight 3407 in 2009.
During a press conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), officials announced that rescue efforts have shifted to recovery mode as no survivors are expected. John Donnelly, Chief of the District of Columbia Fire Department, stated, "We don't believe there are any survivors from this accident." So far, approximately 30 bodies have been recovered from the river's icy waters.
The Bombardier CRJ700 had 64 people onboard and was en route from Wichita. The helicopter carried three soldiers. The crash involved challenging conditions due to darkness and water currents. Among those lost were individuals associated with US Figure Skating, including both American and Russian nationals.
