ARLINGTON, Va. — Recovery crews and divers searched the Potomac River for remains and cleared wreckage Saturday from the midair collision of a passenger jet and Army helicopter, which tragically claimed the lives of 67 individuals. The collision, which occurred late Wednesday night, marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents the United States has experienced in nearly 25 years.
Officials reported no survivors from the deadly incident, which involved an American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, preparing to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The aircraft collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter, which was operating on familiar routes for military practice. Both were approaching the city’s airspace at the time.
By Saturday afternoon, recovery teams had retrieved 42 bodies from the river, with 38 of those positively identified. A Coast Guard cutter equipped with a crane hovered by the wreckage, as divers and other emergency personnel were deployed to help recover the debris. Washington emergency officials confirmed they expected to recover all remaining bodies, though the fuselage of the plane would need to be pulled from the water to complete the recovery.
On Friday evening, the Black Hawk helicopter was briefly stabilized with the assistance of the crane, but it remained submerged in the river. Army officials asserted the helicopter crew’s high level of training and familiarity with the airspace, typically congested due to increased air traffic around the nation’s capital. The helicopter had three service members on board during the incident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it would release updates about the investigation, with many awaiting preliminary findings within 30 days. Factors under scrutiny include the actions of both the military pilot and air traffic control personnel at the time of the incident.
Citing safety mandates, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News Channel there would be thorough consideration of potential contributing factors, such as the helicopter’s altitude and whether night vision devices were utilized during the flight operations.
During the tragic recovery efforts, approximately 300 responders worked tirelessly to search for victims and clear the wreckage from the river. Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly Sr. commented on the emotional strain of the situation, stating, “This is heartbreaking work.” The search and recovery operations were significantly improved after rain subsided, providing clearer skies and warmer temperatures.
Adding to the nation’s sorrow, another aviation incident took place on Friday night, when an air ambulance plane crashed. The crash occurred in Philadelphia, killing all six individuals onboard, which included a child who had been receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Back near the site of the Potomac incident, community members paid their respects to the victims. A trio of friends, Nancy Cory, Beth Yesford, and Bonnie Gray, found solace on the Potomac shoreline, leaving flowers to commemorate those who lost their lives. They expressed their grief, stating, “It’s just — there are no words.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enacted restrictions on helicopter traffic around the airport shortly after the crash. Amid these events, President Donald Trump posted on social media, questioning the altitude of the helicopter, asserting it had been flying above its maximum allowed altitude of 200 feet. This claim has sparked broader conversations about aviation safety and air traffic controller training, particularly amid their longstanding staffing shortages.
The NTSB is focusing on various aspects of the crash investigation, including the technical data retrieved from both aircraft. Preliminary investigations revealed conflicting altitude readings: the jet’s flight recorder indicated it was at roughly 325 feet, whereas tower data logged the helicopter at only 200 feet.
“This is a complex investigation,” remarked Brice Banning, the NTSB investigator leading the probe. He emphasized the diligent work required to analyze data and find coherence among the conflicting reports. “There are a lot of pieces here.” The NTSB anticipates refining their investigation as they extract additional data from the helicopters and flight recorders, which faced complications due to water damage from their descent.
Community members, aviation experts, and investigators alike are grappling with the fallout of this accident, which is regarded as one of the most severe air disasters since November 12, 2001, when another crash claimed 265 lives. Experts maintain, nonetheless, the overwhelming safety of aviation travel, even as the incident raises concerns about operational protocols within highly trafficked air routes.
Though investigations will take time, the heartbreaking stories of victims’ families tug at public sentiment, as many relatives are left unsettled, seeking answers about their loved ones. NTSB member Todd Insman shared his recent conversations with mourning families, noting stark emotions ranging from itched hugs to feelings of anger and confusion.
The investigation continues, with hopes of drawing knowledge from tragedy to prevent future accidents. The community must now reckon with loss at the Potomac River, as recovery efforts progress with resilience and purpose.