Additional Coverage:
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy declared Thursday that the midair collision over the Potomac River was preventable. The crash, involving an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter, claimed the lives of all 67 people on board both aircraft.
Duffy stated that the weather was clear and both the plane’s and helicopter’s flight paths were typical for the area. He emphasized that while these flight paths were routine, the collision itself was not. When asked directly, he stated the crash was “absolutely” avoidable.
President Trump questioned the control tower’s actions on social media, asking why the helicopter wasn’t directed away from the plane. He later called the crash a “tragedy of terrible proportions” and blamed the FAA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Recordings reveal air traffic control repeatedly communicated with the helicopter crew, confirming they had the approaching plane in sight and instructing them to maintain visual separation. Duffy confirmed the helicopter crew was aware of the plane’s presence. The reason they continued on a collision course remains under investigation.
Security footage captured the moment of impact. The American Airlines flight was on final approach when it was struck by the southbound military helicopter, which was on a training mission.
First responders found the plane in pieces in the Potomac River. The helicopter was located nearby. There were no survivors.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, assisted by the military and the FAA. Officials confirmed the helicopter was based at Fort Belvoir and was on a proficiency training flight with an experienced crew using night vision goggles.
Several passengers were members of the US figure skating community returning from a national development camp. Russian officials confirmed Russian citizens were also on board.
Numerous flights scheduled to land at Reagan National were diverted to Dulles International Airport following the collision.