Washington, USA: A tragic mid-air collision on January 29 in Washington, D.C. resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals, including 60 passengers and four crew members aboard an American Airlines Bombardier jet, which crashed into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, leading to the catastrophic incident. Investigations are ongoing, but authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, which is the deadliest U.S. air disaster in over 20 years.

The crash involved the American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operated by PSA Airlines, and the Army Black Hawk helicopter, which was nearing the airport for landing. Initial reports indicate that the passengers on the jet included people from Russia, the Philippines, Germany, and several young figure skaters. The full list of victims is still pending.

While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates, President Donald Trump speculated that federal diversity efforts might have played a role in the tragedy, a claim that has drawn criticism for politicizing the disaster. Concerns have also been raised about air traffic controller shortages and runway overcrowding at Reagan National, already a high-traffic area.

Both aircraft were reportedly following standard flight paths, and communications between the aircraft and air traffic control were routine until the collision. Investigators have recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, and further analysis is underway.

January 30, 2025

The NTSB has pledged to release a preliminary report within 30 days, and air traffic control procedures at Reagan National Airport are under review.