A Night of Tragedy: The Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan Airport
On the evening of January 29, 2025, a chilling disaster unfolded in the skies above Washington, D.C. A mid-air collision between a regional jet and a military helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport sent shockwaves across the nation.
The crash, which occurred around 9 p.m., has left the country in mourning and raised urgent questions about aviation safety. Here’s the full story, told in a way that captures the drama, heartbreak, and heroism of that fateful night.
The Crash: A Devastating Collision
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was quick to release a statement on X (formerly Twitter) explaining what happened. A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, was approaching Runway 33 at Reagan Airport when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter.
Image from the plane crash tonight in Washington DC. Tragic. My heart breaks for everyone affected. pic.twitter.com/p14uxAa1Ox
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) January 30, 2025
The jet had been flying from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The helicopter, a military Black Hawk, had a three-person crew on board.
The collision was catastrophic. Both aircraft plummeted into the icy waters of the Potomac River, scattering debris across three separate areas. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the freezing temperatures and treacherous conditions made rescue efforts incredibly difficult.
President Trump Speaks Out
Former President Donald Trump, known for his active presence on Truth Social, was one of the first to address the tragedy. In a series of posts, he expressed his shock and frustration, questioning how such a disaster could have happened on a clear night.
“It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing,” Trump wrote. “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? NOT GOOD!!!”
In a second post, Trump shared his condolences with the victims and their families, writing, “God bless you all!” He later added, “This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders.”
The Search for Survivors
As dawn broke, the grim reality of the crash became clear. CBS News reported that at least 30 bodies had been recovered by 6:45 a.m. ET, but no survivors had been found. The freezing waters of the Potomac, combined with strong winds and low visibility, made the search incredibly challenging.
About 300 emergency responders worked tirelessly through the night, battling the elements to recover victims and debris. Divers retrieved luggage, pieces of the aircraft, and one of the plane’s black boxes—though it’s still unclear whether it’s the cockpit voice recorder or the flight data recorder. The helicopter was found upside down but largely intact.
District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly described the operation as “highly complex.” He added, “The conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. It’s cold. They’re dealing with relatively windy conditions.”
A Heartbreaking Story: Hamaad Raza’s Agony
Among the many stories of loss, one stands out. Hamaad Raza, a senior associate at EY-Parthenon, was waiting at Reagan Airport for his wife, who was on Flight 5342. The couple had been texting as the plane approached the airport. Her last message to him read, “We’re landing in 20.”
But then, the messages stopped delivering. Raza’s unease turned to dread as news of the crash broke. “I’m just praying that somebody’s pulling her out of the river right now as we speak,” he told WUSA 9-TV reporter Larry Miller. “That’s all I can pray for. I’m just praying to God.”
Raza shared that his wife, just 26 years old, had always been afraid of flying. The couple had been married for just over two years. “She traveled to Wichita for work,” he said. “This is just heartbreaking.”
Officials React: Prayers and Promises
Vice President JD Vance took to X to share his thoughts on the tragedy. “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening,” he wrote. “We’re monitoring the situation, but for now, let’s hope for the best.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also addressed the crash during an interview with Sean Hannity. “I can confirm that President Trump has been made aware of the situation,” she said. “Tragically, it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet at DCA airport right here in Washington, D.C.
That’s all I can confirm at this point in time, and I can just say that the thoughts and the prayers of the entire Trump administration are with all those that are involved.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured the public that the Pentagon was closely monitoring the situation and stood ready to assist. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall called the incident “nothing short of a nightmare” and offered his prayers for the victims and their families.
The Investigation: What Went Wrong?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in investigating the crash. Early data from flight tracking websites shows that the regional jet was on a steady descent from the south, while the Black Hawk helicopter was descending along the Potomac River from the north.
Both aircraft were equipped with Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), but retired American Airlines pilot Doug Rice noted that TCAS is ineffective below 700 feet—a detail that may have played a role in the tragedy.
A Community in Mourning
The crash has left the nation in shock. Alyia Gaskins, the Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia, shared her condolences on social media, praising the efforts of local emergency teams. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” she wrote. “We are grateful for the bravery of our first responders.”
This is the deadliest U.S. commercial air disaster since 2009, when a Continental Airlines flight crashed near Buffalo, New York, killing 49 people. As the search for survivors continues, the country holds its breath, hoping for a miracle while mourning those who have been lost.
Final Thoughts
The mid-air collision near Reagan Airport is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of aviation safety. As investigators work to uncover the cause of the crash, the nation comes together to support the victims, their families, and the brave first responders who risked their lives in the freezing Potomac. In the words of President Trump, “God bless you all.”
