Authorities have confirmed no survivors after a Washington Mid-Air Collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Airport. Rescue teams have recovered 28 bodies from the Potomac River, with 67 people aboard both aircraft. Investigations continue as officials work to determine the cause of the disaster.
Rescue Teams Continue Recovery Efforts
Authorities have confirmed that no one survived after a catastrophic collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter in Washington. Fire Chief John Donnelly reported that emergency crews have so far recovered 28 bodies from the Potomac River. A total of 67 people were on board both aircraft. Rescue operations remain active as teams work to retrieve all victims.
The accident occurred Wednesday evening near Ronald Reagan Airport. A commercial plane carrying 64 passengers crashed into a U.S. military helicopter transporting three soldiers during its approach for landing. Both aircraft plummeted into the river. Despite extensive overnight search efforts involving boats and divers, no survivors have been found.
The U.S. Department of Defense stated that the helicopter was conducting a training flight. However, the cause of the accident remains unclear. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom explained that investigators are reviewing how the military aircraft ended up in the flight path of the commercial plane.
Among the victims were around 15 U.S. figure skaters returning from a training camp in Wichita. Russian figure skating world champions from 1994, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were also on board. Russia has extended its condolences to the victims’ families.
Challenging Recovery Operations Underway
Authorities are piecing together the events that led to the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the passenger plane as a Bombardier CRJ700, which carried 60 passengers and four crew members. The military helicopter was a Sikorsky H-60, a variation of the Black Hawk.
The FBI has ruled out terrorism or foul play, but the circumstances surrounding the collision remain uncertain. A Kennedy Center webcam captured an explosion in the sky at 9:47 PM, followed by a burning aircraft plunging into the river.
Over 300 emergency responders are engaged in recovery efforts, facing severe obstacles. Strong winds, low visibility, and freezing water make the search extremely difficult. Fire department divers work under poor conditions, while helicopters use searchlights to scan the surface. The Coast Guard has deployed additional resources to support the operation. Officials estimate that the recovery will take several days. A diving team has successfully retrieved one of the plane’s black boxes, which may offer crucial insights.
At the airport, families of the passengers anxiously await updates. Many have voiced frustration, saying they receive more information from the media than from officials. One man shared that his wife texted him just before her expected landing, but his reply never went through.
Investigations and Flight Cancellations
U.S. President Donald Trump reacted with disbelief, questioning how the collision was not prevented. On Truth Social, he asked, “The aircraft was on a stable landing approach. Why didn’t the helicopter adjust its altitude or change direction?”
The Pentagon has opened a full-scale investigation into the incident. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem assured that all available resources would be used to support the rescue and recovery mission.
Ronald Reagan Airport remains closed until Friday morning. The flight suspension has caused widespread disruptions, and passengers should expect continued delays.