On the evening of January 29, 2025, a tragic midair collision occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, involving American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The passenger jet, a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by PSA Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60, was conducting a training mission with three soldiers on board. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/takeoffs-landings-halted-ronald-reagan-national-airport-after-aircraft-incident-2025-01-30/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The collision took place around 9 p.m. as the jet was approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport. Following the impact, both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River. Emergency response teams, including fireboats and dive units, were promptly dispatched to the scene. As of the latest reports, 28 bodies have been recovered—27 from the plane and one from the helicopter. Authorities have indicated that there are no expected survivors, and efforts have transitioned from rescue to recovery operations. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crash-reagan-national-airport-washington-dc/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Among the passengers were notable figures such as Russian-born former world champion ice skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, along with other skaters, families, and coaches returning from events in Wichita. The incident has deeply affected the Wichita community, with Mayor Lily Wu expressing profound sorrow over the tragedy. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/takeoffs-landings-halted-ronald-reagan-national-airport-after-aircraft-incident-2025-01-30/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Preliminary information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggests that the midair collision occurred during the jet’s approach to the airport. Radio communications indicate that the helicopter crew was aware of the nearby plane. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Notably, this is the most severe aviation disaster in the U.S. since 2009. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/takeoffs-landings-halted-ronald-reagan-national-airport-after-aircraft-incident-2025-01-30/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
In response to the incident, all flights at Reagan National Airport were temporarily halted. The airport has since resumed operations after thorough safety assessments. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation and is monitoring developments closely. He is scheduled to provide further updates during a briefing at the White House. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crash-reagan-national-airport-washington-dc/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
The aviation community and the nation mourn the loss of life resulting from this tragic event. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are committed to uncovering the factors that led to this devastating collision.
