On January 29, 2025, a tragic mid-air collision occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, involving a passenger aircraft and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The passenger plane, an American Airlines regional jet inbound from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 64 individuals. The collision took place over the Potomac River as both aircraft were on approach to the airport.
Following the incident, all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport were suspended to facilitate emergency response efforts. Rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the scene to assist survivors and manage the situation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports indicate that the mid-air collision occurred around 9 p.m. EST. American Airlines acknowledged the incident involving one of its flights and stated that it would provide more information as it becomes available.
This event marks a significant tragedy in the region's aviation history, recalling past incidents such as the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crash into the Potomac River and the 1949 mid-air collision involving Eastern Air Lines Flight 537.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on understanding the factors that led to this collision to prevent future occurrences.
For a visual account of the incident, you can view the following video:
