A midair collision near Reagan National Airport led to a massive search and rescue operation in the freezing Potomac River. Newly released air traffic control audio captures the chilling moments before, during, and after the crash, offering key insights into the tragic incident.
A search and rescue operation unfolded after an American Airlines passenger jet collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The crash, which sent the American Airlines aircraft plunging into the freezing Potomac River, resulted in confirmed fatalities, though at the time of reporting, no survivors had been recovered.
Authorities halted all operations at the airport until at least 11 a.m. ET Thursday as first responders worked tirelessly at the crash site.
American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
The Black Hawk helicopter, with three soldiers on board, was conducting a training flight when the collision occurred. According to aviation and defense officials, the plane was in pieces in the water, and the helicopter was found nearby.
In a shocking twist, air traffic control audio captured the events leading up to the crash, offering critical insight into the moments before impact. The recording reveals an air traffic controller asking the helicopter crew, “PAT 2-5 do you have the CRJ in sight?”
Moments later, the controller instructed, “PAT 2-5 pass behind the CRJ.” Shortly before the collision, the Black Hawk pilot confirmed visual contact with the aircraft, stating, “PAT 2-5 has aircraft in sight, request visual separation.”
Less than 13 seconds later, the audio captured audible gasps from the tower, including a loud “oooh,” indicating the moment of impact. Following the collision, air traffic controllers quickly notified another pilot of the unfolding disaster.
“I don’t know if you caught earlier what happened, but there was a collision on the approach end of 3-3. We are going to be shutting down operations for the indefinite future if you want to go back to the gate. Highly suggest you guys coordinate with the company. Let me know what you want to do,” the controller stated.
Another pilot confirmed witnessing the incident, telling air traffic control, “Yeah, we were on short final, and we saw flares from the opposite side of the Potomac.” An approach controller added, “Apparently both aircraft involved are in the river, a search and rescue will be ongoing.”
The crash prompted significant disruption at Reagan National Airport, and flights were being diverted to other locations.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority CEO Jack Potter acknowledged the tragedy, noting that American Airlines had established a center inside the airport to provide support for friends and families of those aboard.
“We’ve directed the families there, and there are counselors there to work with the families,” he said. Rescue teams faced significant challenges in recovering victims due to the depth and conditions of the Potomac River.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the river has an average depth of 24 feet, with some portions reaching as deep as 107 feet near Morgantown, Maryland. The frigid temperatures and strong currents further complicate recovery efforts.
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President Donald Trump responded to the tragedy on his Truth Social platform, criticizing the circumstances leading to the collision. “The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time,” he wrote.
“It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!” he concluded.
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This midair collision is a grim reminder of other recent aviation disasters, including the helicopter crash into a radio tower in Houston in October 2024.
As search efforts continue and investigators work to piece together the final moments before impact, the recordings offer a chilling insight into how quickly disaster can unfold and will be crucial in determining the cause of this devastating crash.
