“Air Traffic Control Audio and Radar Reveal Harrowing Moments Before Collision; Recovery Operations Underway”
January 31 2025: A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter has claimed over 60 lives, authorities confirmed. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday night near Reagan Washington National Airport, with both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. Rescue operations are underway to recover all 67 bodies from the wreckage.
Also Read: US Mid-Air Crash Update: No Survivors in Plane-Helicopter Crash, 28 Bodies Recovered
Webcam at the Kennedy Center caught an explosion mid-air across the Potomac. https://t.co/v75sxitpH6 pic.twitter.com/HInYdhBYs5
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) January 30, 2025
The American Eagle Flight 5342, traveling from Wichita, Kansas, carried 60 passengers and four crew members, including elite figure skaters and their coaches. Among the deceased were former Russian world pairs champions Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The military helicopter, call sign PAT25, had three personnel onboard.
Footage from an air traffic control radar screen captured the critical moments leading to the collision. The radar shows the Black Hawk helicopter veering into the flight path of the CRJ700 Bombardier jet just before impact. The viral 49-second clip has shocked viewers globally, offering a chilling glimpse into the fatal accident.
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🚨#BREAKING: Shared to me anonymously shows the Playback from official Air Traffic Control radar
— Flight 5342 (@flight5342) January 30, 2025
📌#Washington | #DC
Watch as exclusive playback, sent anonymously by @avgeekjake to Rawsalerst, reveals official Air Traffic Control radar footage displaying the Collision Alert. pic.twitter.com/JuFNYDkc3v
Audio recordings from LiveATC.net provide further insight into the moments leading up to the collision. An air traffic controller can be heard instructing the helicopter to pass behind the jet, followed by gasps and shock as the crash unfolded. “I just saw a fireball, and then it was gone,” a controller reported. The tragic event led to the immediate suspension of operations at Reagan National Airport.
Air Traffic Control gave the Army helo permission to pass *behind* the jet coming into DCA. It's in the ATC recording here at 17:30 from @Aristos_Revengehttps://t.co/gIMRoz1nEt…
— NOVA Campaigns (@NoVA_Campaigns) January 30, 2025
ATC (likely DCA tower) asks the Army helo if it “has CRJ in sight?” “Pass behind the CRJ” https://t.co/AMJMqv6Ser pic.twitter.com/n7g7UgqFoh
The plane’s pilot, identified as 28-year-old Sam Lilley, had six years of experience and was engaged to be married.
Authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board, are investigating the incident, with recovery and analysis continuing amidst freezing temperatures.
Tags:
US Plane Crash, Potomac River Tragedy, Air Traffic Control Radar, Washington Aviation Accident, American Airlines Crash, Black Hawk Helicopter Collision, Reagan National Airport Incident, Air Traffic Control Audio, Elite Figure Skaters Fatal Crash, Aviation Disaster Recovery