On January 29, 2025, a tragic mid-air collision occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport involving American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700, and a U.S. Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The passenger jet, en route from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three soldiers on board. The collision resulted in multiple fatalities, and rescue operations are ongoing.
In response to the incident, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences and raised concerns about the circumstances leading to the crash. On his social media platform, Truth Social, he wrote:
”The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn? Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane? This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!” citeturn0search5
In an official statement, President Trump added:
”I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.” citeturn0search4
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that he was at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) headquarters, closely monitoring the situation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Department of Defense was actively observing the developments and was ready to assist if needed. citeturn0search4
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. As the investigation progresses, more information will be made available to the public.
