On the evening of January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, resulting in the tragic loss of all 67 individuals aboard the two aircraft. The crash unfolded just yards from Reagan National Airport as Flight 5342 was completing its approach from Wichita, Kansas.
Witnesses reported witnessing the aircraft moments before the impact, describing it as "a flash of light" before the ensuing blaze filled the night sky. Hamaad Raza was anxiously waiting for his wife, 26-year-old, and kind-hearted, Hamaad Raza, who had texted him just moments before the crash, saying, "We’re landing in 20 minutes." After the text, his replies failed to send, leading him to fear the worst.
"I thought something might be up," Raza said, recalling the haunting realization. He had seen numerous emergency responders headed toward the river, which confirmed his growing anxiety about his wife's safety. "I'm just praying someone is pulling her out of the river right now," he told local reporters, not yet aware of the severity of the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration later confirmed the collision killed all 64 passengers and crew on the jet and the three soldiers onboard the helicopter. Authorities indicated the event marks one of the deadliest air disasters since 2001, with at least 28 bodies recovered from the icy waters as of early Thursday morning, January 30.
Raza, who described his wife as "the kindest person I’ve ever met," shared how their love blossomed during college at Indiana University, and how they had only been married for two years. He expressed disbelief about their circumstances, stating, "It’s just crazy. You see these things happen to others, not to us. Life is short. Hug your loved ones. Tell them you love them before they get on a flight." This tragedy starkly illustrated to Raza the fragility of life.
Investigators are currently probing the circumstances leading up to the collision. Initial reports suggest the Black Hawk helicopter, engaged in routine training, was flying at approximately 400 feet when it collided with the descending regional jet. Air traffic control had attempted to alert the helicopter just seconds before the impact, asking if it had the incoming flight in sight. There was no response from the helicopter prior to the crash.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the media on January 30, stating, "This tragedy was absolutely preventable." Despite this confession, details surrounding the crash's cause remain sparse as the investigation continues to unravel the issues at play.
The moments leading up to the crash were captured by video footage from the nearby Kennedy Center, depicting two aircraft converging and resulting in visible fire—a shocking reality for those witnessing the incident. Eyewitness reports suggest the aircraft were both adhering to standard flight paths converging at the airport, which has raised questions on air traffic management procedures and protocols for avoiding mid-air collisions.
Among the victims were prominent members of the U.S. Figure SkATING community returning from the National Development Camp, which took place earlier this month. Russian former world champions, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were confirmed to be on the passenger plane along with several athletes and coaches who had been developing their skating skills at the Championships.
Local authorities described the impromptu rescue operation as harrowing, with approximately 300 first responders engaged throughout the night, searching the river's frigid waters for any survivors, though hopes were rapidly fading. "We don't believe there are any survivors," confirmed Washington D.C.'s fire chief, John Donnelly.
American Airlines has established information centers both at the airport and back in Wichita for worried family members trying to locate their loved ones. The company also issued statements extending condolences and urging families to reach out through designated hotlines for more information.
This incident has raised significant alarm within the aviation community, which prides itself on maintaining one of the safest skies globally. Many are calling for reviews of airspace protocols to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
Currently, all flights to and from Ronald Reagan National Airport are temporarily suspended as investigations continue. Flights will remain on pause until at least 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 1, 2025, as investigators work to piece together this devastating occurrence.