International

Passenger Plane and Military Helicopter Crash into Potomac, 19 Dead

30/01/2025/12:53:pm

Key Highlights:

Fatal Collision: An American Airlines flight from Kansas collided mid-air with a U.S. military helicopter while landing at Reagan National Airport, crashing into the Potomac River.
Casualties: Of 64 onboard (60 passengers + 4 crew), 19 bodies recovered, 4 rescued alive. Death toll feared to rise.
Rescue Efforts: Multi-agency search underway with divers, drones, and Coast Guard; icy river conditions hampering operations.
Eyewitness Trauma: Onlookers describe plane tilting 90°, bursting into flames before impact.
Leadership Response: President Trump mourns victims; American Airlines CEO pledges full support.

Washington, D.C.: A routine landing turned to tragedy as American Airlines Flight 2146 from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter moments before touching down at Reagan National Airport (DCA) on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 737-800 plunged into the icy Potomac River, sparking a frantic rescue operation with 19 confirmed fatalities and fears of rising tolls.

Timeline of Terror: How the Disaster Unfolded

2:14 PM EST: Flight 2146 begins descent toward DCA’s Runway 19.
2:17 PM: Air traffic control logs first collision alert; eyewitnesses report “fireball” mid-air.
2:18 PM: Aircraft tilts violently, crashes into Potomac near Roosevelt Bridge.
2:20 PM: Coast Guard, DC Fire, and Navy divers deploy; 4 survivors pulled from wreckage.

Rescue Challenges: Icy Waters and Zero Visibility

Rescuers face perilous conditions:

Water Temperature: 38°F (3°C), risking hypothermia.
Debris Field: Shattered fuselage complicates dive teams’ efforts.
Aviation Expert Insight: “The Potomac’s currents could carry bodies miles downstream,” warns former NTSB investigator Greg Feith.

Eyewitness Accounts: “It Was Like a Movie Explosion”

Maria Gonzalez, a tourist on the Georgetown Waterfront:
“The plane’s wing clipped the helicopter, then spun wildly. Flames shot out it crashed in seconds. I’ll never unsee that.”

Jason Miller, a Lyft driver on I-395:
“I heard a boom, looked up, and saw debris raining. People were screaming on the bridge.”

Response and Reactions

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom:
“Our hearts are shattered. We’re working with the NTSB and families. Safety is our absolute focus.”

President Donald Trump:
“A dark day for America. We honor the victims and pray for miracles. Full federal resources are deployed.”

Military Statement:
The Army confirmed the Black Hawk was on a “routine training mission.” Two crew members remain missing.

Reagan Airport’s History of Close Calls

2018: Near-miss between two commercial jets.
2022: Drone intrusion halted landings.
Aviation Analyst Note: DCA’s short runways and airspace congestion pose risks.