“A devastating collision between a US Army Blackhawk helicopter and a passenger jet ends in a fiery crash over the Potomac River, with all aboard confirmed dead.”
January 30, 2025: Washington, DC: A catastrophic mid-air collision between a US Army Blackhawk helicopter and a Bombardier passenger jet operated by an American Airlines subsidiary has left no survivors, officials confirmed. The tragic incident occurred near Washington DC’s Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night, with both aircraft plunging into the icy waters of the Potomac River following a fiery explosion.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly stated during a news conference at the airport, “At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors. We are transitioning from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.” Local authorities have reported the recovery of 28 bodies from the river so far.
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Chilling Audio of Collision
Audio recordings from air traffic control reveal a desperate attempt to avert disaster. Controllers can be heard warning the Blackhawk helicopter of the approaching Bombardier plane.
“Pat 2-5, do you have the CRJ in sight?” a controller asked, referring to the jet. Moments later, another request came: “Pat 2-5, pass behind the CRJ.” The radio transmission ended in audible gasps and frantic voices, with one controller exclaiming, “I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone.”
The Fatal Crash
The collision occurred as the helicopter struck the passenger jet during its approach to Reagan National Airport. Aviation experts suggest the plane would have had the right of way if it had been cleared to land. The crash sent both aircraft spiraling into the river in flames, leaving first responders to battle freezing temperatures and darkness during recovery efforts.
Expert Reactions
Kyle Bailey, a pilot and aviation expert, told Fox News, “The airplane would have had the right of way if cleared to land. This incident highlights the critical importance of coordination in shared airspace.”
Continuing Recovery Efforts
Rescue teams, including fireboats and emergency personnel, continue their operations in the river. Meanwhile, the investigation into the crash is underway, led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Reagan National Airport remains on high alert, with flights temporarily halted during the initial response to the disaster.
The tragic collision has cast a shadow over aviation safety and raised questions about air traffic control protocols in high-density airspaces near major airports.