American Airlines Jet and Black Hawk Helicopter crash over Potomac River, At least 18 dead bodies pulled

January 30, 2025, 01:10:33 PM |

KATHMANDU: A tragic mid-air collision occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025, involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The incident has led to a significant search and rescue operation on the Potomac River.

The American Airlines flight, operated by PSA Airlines, was a Bombardier CRJ700 carrying 64 individuals—60 passengers and 4 crew members. The U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers on board. Reports indicate that 18 bodies have been recovered from the river; however, the total number of casualties and the status of any potential survivors remain unconfirmed.

Preliminary information suggests that an air traffic controller attempted to communicate with the helicopter pilot approximately 30 seconds before the collision, inquiring if the approaching jet was in sight. Despite a subsequent radio call instructing the helicopter to pass behind the jet, no response was received, and the aircraft collided moments later.

The collision resulted in an explosion, with debris falling into the Potomac River. Emergency responders, numbering around 300, are engaged in search and rescue operations under challenging conditions, including cold weather and murky waters. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily halted all flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.

In response to the tragedy, President Trump and Vice President Vance have expressed their condolences and urged the nation to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers. American Airlines has established a hotline for relatives seeking information about passengers on the flight.

This incident marks a significant event in U.S. aviation, being the first complete loss of a passenger plane in the country since 2009. Authorities are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the factors leading to this tragic collision.

Fiscal Nepal |

Thursday January 30, 2025, 01:10:33 PM |