On January 29, 2025, a tragic collision occurred near Washington, D.C., involving American Airlines Flight 5342, a CRJ700 regional jet, and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in the loss of all 67 individuals on board.
Pre-Collision Communications:
Air traffic control audio reveals that controllers instructed the Black Hawk helicopter to pass behind the American Airlines jet. The controller’s directive was: “PAT25, pass behind the CRJ.” However, the collision occurred shortly after this instruction.
Post-Collision Response:
Following the crash, air traffic controllers were heard reacting with urgency, stating, “Crash, crash, crash, this is an alert three.” They promptly redirected other aircraft to avoid the crash site, which was located in the river near the airport.
Eyewitnesses and air traffic controllers reported observing a fireball and the subsequent disappearance of both aircraft into the river. The incident led to the indefinite suspension of airport operations.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. Preliminary findings suggest that the Black Hawk helicopter was flying at an altitude higher than its approved route.
This incident underscores the critical importance of clear communication and strict adherence to flight protocols to ensure the safety of all individuals in the airspace.
