TRAGIC MID-AIR COLLISION OVER D.C.

A devastating mid-air collision took place Wednesday, January 29, night near Reagan Washington National Airport, as an American Airlines regional jet carrying 64 people and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided, sending both aircraft crashing into the frigid Potomac River.
Authorities have not provided an official death toll, but U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, where the flight originated, suggested that most, if not all, of those on board were killed. CBS News, citing police sources, reported that at least 18 bodies had been recovered, while Reuters sources confirmed multiple bodies had been pulled from the water.
American Airlines confirmed that the plane had 60 passengers and four crew members on board. The helicopter, which was on a training flight, carried three soldiers.
Among those on board were former Russian world ice skating champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as well as several U.S. figure skaters, family members, and coaches returning from a camp following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita. The skating community is in mourning as news of the tragedy unfolds.
The crash occurred as the jet was approaching Reagan Airport for landing. Audio recordings between air traffic control and the Black Hawk crew indicate that the helicopter crew was aware of the approaching jet. In the final moments before impact, an air traffic controller instructed the helicopter, call sign PAT25, to “pass behind the CRJ.” Seconds later, another aircraft radioed in, “Tower, did you see that?”
Webcam footage captured the moment of impact, showing an explosion lighting up the night sky.
The Pentagon has launched an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, in a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump questioned the actions of the helicopter crew and air traffic controllers, calling the situation “a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented.”
The recovery operation remains highly complex. Washington, D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly reported that over 300 first responders were working under extreme conditions, including cold temperatures and strong winds. Hypothermia is a major concern, with experts warning that exhaustion or unconsciousness can occur within 15 to 30 minutes in such frigid waters.
Family members gathered at the airport overnight, desperate for information. One man, visibly distraught, stood on the sidewalk outside the terminal at 3 a.m., weeping.
Reagan Airport remains closed until at least 11 a.m. Thursday as emergency teams continue their search and recovery efforts.
This tragedy has sent shockwaves through both the aviation and sports communities. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this horrific incident.