In a somber announcement, officials have confirmed that no survivors were found after a devastating collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet close to Washington, D.C. This catastrophic event, described as one of the worst aviation disasters in the U.S. in nearly a quarter-century, unfolded during what was supposed to be a routine landing.
Recovery Efforts and Casualties
As of Thursday, search and recovery teams had pulled at least 28 bodies from the frigid waters of the Potomac River following the crash, which occurred on Wednesday night.
Early reports suggest that the helicopter unintentionally entered the flight path of the jet, which was carrying 60 passengers along with four crew members.
John Donnelly, Washington’s fire chief, indicated a shift in focus from rescue to recovery, expressing a grim acknowledgment that hopes for finding survivors were nearly nonexistent.
The wreckage was discovered submerged, with the passenger jet found in several pieces and overturned in shallow water.
Recovery efforts extended up to three miles south of the airport, where debris from the helicopter was also retrieved.
Investigations and Statements
An investigation into the incident has been launched by both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Reports suggest that conditions were clear at the time; the passenger flight, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, was on its final approach when the collision occurred.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom shared that the aircraft was in the midst of a standard landing procedure at Reagan National Airport when it collided with the military helicopter, which was conducting a training mission with three soldiers aboard, as confirmed by an Army spokesman.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided details about the helicopter’s night operation, noting that the crew was using night vision technology for the exercise.
In response to this tragedy, the 12th Aviation Battalion implemented a 48-hour operational stand-down.
Aviation Safety and Future Precautions
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed an important sentiment, reassuring travelers that U.S. airspace is considered safe.
He highlighted the federal government’s commitment to investigating the root causes of the incident.
While Reagan National Airport was initially projected to remain closed until Friday morning, it has since reopened at 11 a.m. on Thursday.
As investigators begin piecing together the last moments of both aircraft, they will explore communications with air traffic controllers and the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.
Duffy noted that early indicators were emerging but refrained from offering any specific details until a thorough inquiry is conducted.
This harrowing event emphasizes the critical nature of aviation safety, and, if confirmed, it would mark the deadliest airline disaster in the U.S. since November 12, 2001.
According to the FAA, the incident took place just before 9 p.m. EST in one of the most closely monitored airspaces, located slightly over three miles from iconic national landmarks.
The commercial flight, operating at low altitude, suffered a rapid descent just moments before the impact, right as it prepared for landing.
In the minutes leading up to the crash, air traffic controllers were in communication with both the helicopter and the jet, making efforts to steer their paths safely.
Just prior to the collision, a controller asked the helicopter crew about the visibility of the incoming jet, prompting further instructions.
Disturbingly, video recorded around the Kennedy Center captured what seemed to be a fireball that accompanied the tragic meeting of the aircraft.
Routine military training in the capital’s busy airspace serves as a reminder of the need for continuous operational awareness in such sensitive areas.
Source: Militarytimes