Washington D.C. — January 29, 2025: A catastrophic midair collision between an American Eagle regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport has resulted in a large-scale emergency response and search operation. The crash, which occurred around 9 p.m. ET, has left multiple fatalities, though the exact number remains unknown.
The American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington when it collided with the Black Hawk helicopter, which was operating out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The passenger jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three Army personnel onboard.
Authorities have launched a desperate search-and-rescue operation in the icy waters of the Potomac River, where the wreckage of the two aircraft is believed to have plunged.
Eyewitness Accounts and Live Footage Capture the Collision
A “Roman Candle in the Sky”
Ari Schulman, an eyewitness driving along the George Washington Parkway, described the horrifying moment he saw the collision.
“You can always see these planes lined up to land at Reagan Airport. I always look at them when I’m driving home because it’s an elegant sight. But tonight, something looked very wrong,” Schulman told NBC Washington.
“It looked like a giant Roman candle—sparks shooting from the front of the plane all the way to the tail. I saw that for about two seconds, and then it disappeared.”
Live webcam footage from the Kennedy Center captured the moment of impact, showing a bright explosion in the night sky followed by debris falling into the Potomac River.
Desperate Search for Survivors in Freezing Waters
Limited Survival Time in 35°F Water
Emergency rescue teams, including D.C. Fire and EMS, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the FBI, have rushed to the scene to locate survivors. The water temperature near the crash site is 35°F (1.6°C), meaning that any survivors in the water have only 15 to 30 minutes before losing consciousness due to hypothermia.
D.C. Fire and EMS confirmed that fireboats and dive teams are actively searching for survivors.
“We are doing everything we can to bring survivors to safety,” said the president of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
Casualty Report Still Unknown
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of fatalities, but Senator Ted Cruz posted on social media that “we know there are fatalities, though we do not yet have an official number.”
Investigation Begins: What Went Wrong?
Did the Helicopter Fail to Transmit ADS-B Data?
Preliminary reports suggest that the Army Black Hawk helicopter may not have been transmitting ADS-B data, meaning that air traffic controllers and other aircraft may not have been able to track its exact position, altitude, or speed.
ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) is a key safety system that helps prevent midair collisions. If the helicopter’s transponder was malfunctioning or turned off, it could have led to a critical loss of situational awareness for both the American Eagle pilot and air traffic controllers.
However, Senator Tammy Duckworth, a former Black Hawk pilot, noted that the aircraft has superior visibility compared to a commercial jet.
“This airspace is very busy, but a Black Hawk pilot has near-panoramic visibility. It is quite surprising that this happened,” she said.
Air Traffic Control Audio Reveals Last Moments
Audio recordings from air traffic control communications reveal that controllers saw a “fireball” in the sky and then lost contact with Flight 5342.
According to preliminary data, the last ADS-B signal from the American Eagle jet was received at 01:48 UTC (8:48 p.m. ET), moments before impact.
Government Response and Airport Shutdown
Reagan National Airport Suspends All Flights
In the wake of the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an official investigation, and a team of federal investigators is on its way to the crash site.
“The FAA and NTSB will lead a thorough investigation into the cause of this tragic accident,” an FAA spokesperson confirmed.
President Trump Briefed on the Crash
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement urging the public to allow emergency responders to conduct their work.
“May God bless the souls of those affected. We are closely monitoring this situation and will provide updates as they arise,” said President Trump.
Vice President J.D. Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have also called for prayers for the victims and their families.
What Happens Next?
- Ongoing Search and Rescue – Emergency teams are racing against time to locate survivors in the freezing Potomac River.
- NTSB and FAA Investigation – A team of investigators will analyze flight data, air traffic communications, and eyewitness footage to determine the exact cause of the crash.
- Casualty Report Update – Officials will release updated information on the number of fatalities and survivors.
- Reagan Airport Flight Status – The FAA will announce when flights can resume at Reagan National Airport.
Final Thoughts: A Tragic Reminder of Aviation Safety Risks
The Reagan National Airport midair collision is a stark reminder of the dangers of congested airspace, especially in one of the busiest flight corridors in the United States. As authorities continue their search for survivors, the nation waits anxiously for more answers.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for real-time updates as more details emerge.
