On January 29, 2025, a tragic mid-air collision occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) over the Potomac River. An American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter during its approach to the airport. All 67 individuals on both aircraft—60 passengers and 4 crew members on the plane, and 3 military personnel on the helicopter—lost their lives in the accident. (en.wikipedia.org)
Details of the Incident:
- Collision Circumstances: The crash occurred approximately 325 feet above the ground. Preliminary data indicates that the commercial plane attempted to increase its pitch just before the collision, suggesting an effort to avoid the helicopter. However, discrepancies have been noted between the reported altitudes of the two aircraft, with the helicopter expected to be flying no higher than 200 feet. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating these inconsistencies. (politico.com)
- Victims: Among the deceased were several notable individuals, including former world champion figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as well as other members of the figure skating community returning from a national development camp. The tragedy also claimed the lives of professionals from various fields, including civil rights attorney Kiah Duggins and Army co-pilot Rebecca Lobach. (time.com)
Investigation and Aftermath:
The NTSB has recovered the flight data recorders from both aircraft and is analyzing the information to determine the cause of the collision. Factors under consideration include potential equipment malfunctions, human error, and the efficiency of air traffic control operations. The use of night-vision goggles by the helicopter crew and the staffing levels in the air traffic control tower at the time of the incident are also being scrutinized. (newyorker.com)
This incident has raised concerns about the safety of operations at DCA, an airport known for its complex airspace and high traffic volume. Just 24 hours before the fatal crash, another American Airlines flight experienced a last-minute go-around to avoid another aircraft, highlighting potential issues with air traffic control procedures and staffing. (nypost.com)
The aviation community and the public await the findings of the ongoing investigation to understand the factors that led to this devastating event and to implement measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.