No Survivors After American Eagle Jet Collides With Army Helicopter Near D.C.
Tragic Mid-Air Collision Over Potomac Sparks Grief and Political Debate
The Tragedy Over the Potomac
A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River has resulted in a catastrophic loss of life. Officials confirmed that there are no survivors from the crash that occurred on January 29 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was arriving from Wichita, Kansas when it collided with the military aircraft. The Bombardier CRJ700 split apart upon impact, with wreckage landing in the water, where recovery efforts are now underway.
John Donnelly, D.C. Fire, and EMS Chief, stated at a press conference Thursday morning that the focus has shifted from rescue to recovery. "At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident,” Donnelly said. Officials have already recovered 27 bodies from the jet's wreckage.
Athletes Among the Victims
The tragic accident took an even deeper emotional toll when it was revealed that several U.S. and Russian figure skaters and their families were aboard the flight. The athletes had been returning from a training camp held in Wichita in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
The U.S. Figure Skating Association released a statement expressing condolences:
"This is an immeasurable loss for the figure skating community, as well as for the families who have lost their loved ones. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy."
What Went Wrong?
While the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, early reports indicate that the American Airlines flight was on a standard landing path when it encountered the military helicopter.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy clarified that the military aircraft was flying a known route along the river, a practice not unusual near DCA. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. military.
American Airlines Responds
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom called the crash "a tragic day for everyone at American Airlines."
The company has set up a toll-free hotline for concerned family members:
📞 (800) 679-8215 (U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands)
🌍 news.aa.com (for international inquiries)
Trump Uses Tragedy to Attack DEI and Biden Administration
In a controversial and highly politicized response, former President Donald Trump used the crash as an opportunity to attack the Biden administration, former President Barack Obama, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in aviation hiring.
Speaking at a campaign event, Trump claimed—without evidence—that Democratic policies had weakened aviation safety. He falsely suggested that FAA hiring standards now prioritize "severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities" over qualifications.
He further criticized former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, saying, “Do you know how badly everything's run since he’s been in charge?” Trump went on to call Buttigieg a “disaster” and blamed him for alleged aviation failures, despite the fact that Buttigieg left office at the beginning of 2025.
These remarks have sparked backlash from aviation experts and civil rights advocates, who condemned Trump's use of misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric during a time of national mourning.
A History of Politicizing Tragedy
Trump’s response follows a long pattern of using disasters to push his political agenda. From natural disasters to mass shootings, he has frequently sought to place blame on his political rivals while dodging responsibility for failures during his own administration.
Moreover, his criticism of DEI in aviation reflects a broader right-wing effort to dismantle workplace diversity initiatives. However, experts point out that safety and competency remain the top priorities in FAA hiring practices, and there is no evidence that DEI programs have compromised flight safety.
What’s Next?
With the crash investigation underway, officials are working to recover victims, analyze flight data, and determine how this tragedy could have been prevented. Families are left mourning their loved ones, and the figure skating world is reeling from an unimaginable loss.
In moments like these, our focus should be on those affected—not political distractions. As the nation grieves, it is essential to support the families and ensure that all facts come to light.
How You Can Help
✅ Donate to the families of victims through legitimate fundraising campaigns. Be cautious of scams and check official figure skating organizations for verified fundraisers.
✅ Stay Informed by following updates from trusted news sources, including the FAA and NTSB.
✅ Push Back Against Misinformation by sharing facts and not allowing this tragedy to be twisted for political gain.
🚨 This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.