Recovery teams have resumed their search for victims following the tragic midair collision on Wednesday night between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This incident marks the deadliest airplane crash in the United States in over two decades, with all 67 individuals on both aircraft confirmed deceased.
As of Thursday night, authorities reported that 41 bodies have been recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River. D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly indicated that identification of the victims is underway, although he could not provide a specific timeline due to the complexities involved in the process.
The search and recovery efforts are being supplemented with additional personnel and specialized salvage equipment from the Coast Guard, arriving on Saturday. Investigators have also retrieved the cockpit voice and flight data recorders from the American Airlines jet and the helicopter, which are crucial for understanding the circumstances leading to the crash. J. Todd Inman from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated that the initial reviews of the devices show they are in satisfactory condition, although water intrusion in the cockpit voice recorder was noted—a situation deemed typical in these cases.
Currently, two of the three runways at Reagan National Airport remain closed, resulting in over 100 flight cancellations and ongoing disruptions. The airport expects to face challenges in returning to normal operations for at least another week. The U.S. Department of Transportation has also implemented restrictions on helicopter flights near the airport, with exceptions for critical missions.
The American Airlines flight, which was transporting 60 passengers and four crew members from Wichita, Kansas, collided with the helicopter during its approach to land. The helicopter, carrying three experienced crew members, was engaged in a standard training exercise when the incident occurred.
Among the deceased are several members of the figure skating community, including young athletes and coaches traveling for the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championship. Notable individuals also include civil rights attorney Kiah Duggins and law enforcement representatives from the Philippines.
In a broader context, this tragic accident draws parallels with past aviation disasters. It stands as the most significant crash since the American Airlines flight that killed 265 people in November 2001 and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of air traffic safety.
Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her condolences to the families affected by the crash, commending the quick response of first responders in the area. Recovery efforts will continue, and the NTSB aims to conduct a thorough investigation, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, it is essential to focus on the resilience of the community and the commitment of recovery teams in providing closure to the families impacted by this horrific event.