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Dozens Of Fatalities Expected From Mid-Air Collision Over D.C.

Just before 9:00 pm on Wednesday, January 29th, an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet collided mid-air as they approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The fiery crash sent both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River below.

D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that American Airlines flight 5342 carried 64 individuals (60 passengers and four crew members), and the helicopter held three military crew members. Recovery efforts are underway, involving the Metro Police Department and multiple fire departments from the surrounding area.

As of Thursday morning, 28 bodies have reportedly been pulled from the river, while many more are assumed to still be trapped in the wreckage. Officials have confirmed that they do not expect to recover any survivors.

This tragic event will mark the deadliest aviation accident in the United States in more than 20 years.

Audio Reveals The Moments Before And After The Crash

An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. New audio from Air Traffic Control sheds light on the moments before and immediately following the collision.

After the AA pilot is cleared for landing on runway 33 of the airport, the controller instructs the helicopter to pass behind the jet. The crew aboard the chopper reportedly responded that they had the passenger jet in sight.

At this time, it is unknown why the two aircraft collided just moments later. After witnessing the crash, one controller asked, “Tower, did you see that?”

The tower representative responded affirmatively and then told everyone to hold their positions while they diverted flights and shut down the airfield.

Later, the female controller goes on to tell the fire command, “The accident happened in the river. Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river…”

She confirms that the airfield is closed and gives fire command clearance to respond to the scene of the crash near D.C. Listen to the audio from Air Traffic Control in the video below.

Members Of The US Figure Skating Team Confirmed To Be On Board

While the identities of the victims have yet to be revealed, the US Figure Skating organization confirmed that skaters, coaches, and family members of their organization were on board the flight. In a statement reported by PEOPLE, they wrote:

“U.S. Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C. These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. This is aWe will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”

This is a developing story, check back for updates on the D.C. plane crash. Our condolences are with everyone affected by this unthinkable tragedy.

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