A tragic mid-air collision occurred on the evening of January 29, 2025, involving American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. The passenger jet, operated by PSA Airlines on behalf of American Eagle, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The Black Hawk helicopter had three military personnel on board.
The collision took place over the Potomac River as the jet was on its final approach to the airport. Eyewitnesses reported a fiery explosion, and subsequent footage showed debris scattered across the river. Rescue teams have recovered at least 18 bodies from the Potomac, with search efforts ongoing to locate additional victims. The exact number of fatalities has yet to be confirmed.
In the moments leading up to the crash, an air traffic controller inquired whether the Black Hawk had the American Airlines jet in sight. Despite instructions for the helicopter to pass behind the jet, no response was received, and the collision ensued shortly thereafter.
In response to the incident, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport suspended all operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations, with the NTSB taking the lead. American Airlines has established a hotline for concerned relatives and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, stating, "May God Bless their souls," and commended the efforts of emergency responders. He urged the nation to keep the victims and their families in their prayers during this difficult time.
This incident marks the first fatal U.S.-registered civilian airliner crash since 2009 and the first major aviation accident of 2025.