Fatal Accident (64 on the CRJ; 3 on the Blackhawk) – Bombardier CRJ-701ER, N709PS, Potomac River, Washington, DC January 29, 2025
| Aviation Safety X Report |
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On January 29, 2025, at approximately 8:47 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, a mid-air collision occurred over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., involving an American Eagle Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ-701ER (CL-600-2C10), and a U.S. Army Sikorsky VH-60M Black Hawk helicopter from B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The regional jet had departed from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) and was on approach to Runway 19 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) when the collision took place. The Black Hawk helicopter was engaged in a routine training mission when it intersected the aircraft’s flight path. Both aircraft subsequently crashed into the Potomac River. American Eagle Flight 5342 was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the Black Hawk helicopter had a crew of three. Reports from the scene confirmed that there were no survivors. As of the morning of January 30, emergency responders had recovered 27 bodies from the wreckage of the passenger jet and one from the helicopter. The search and recovery efforts were challenged by severe weather conditions, including below-freezing temperatures, strong winds, and ice on the water. Authorities transitioned from a rescue to a recovery operation within hours of the crash. According to initial Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports, the collision was captured by a live-stream camera at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., showing a flash of light and debris falling into the river. The incident was also observed by air traffic controllers, who immediately initiated emergency response procedures. Preliminary analysis of radar and transponder data suggests that the Black Hawk may have been maneuvering at an altitude that conflicted with the descending path of the regional jet. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has deployed investigators to the scene to examine flight data, cockpit voice recorders, and communication logs. Reagan National Airport temporarily suspended all inbound and outbound flights following the accident, affecting hundreds of travelers. The airport reopened the following morning at 11:00 a.m. after clearance from the FAA. Officials have set up a helpline for families of the victims, and forensic teams are working to identify remains. Among those confirmed on board the CRJ-701ER were members of the U.S. Figure Skating Association, raising international attention due to the loss of prominent athletes. The Black Hawk UH-60L involved in the collision was a military variant of the widely used utility helicopter, known for its versatility in combat, transport, and rescue operations. The specific mission details of the aircraft at the time of the accident remain under investigation. The U.S. Army has confirmed that the helicopter was flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in controlled airspace, but it is unclear whether coordination between air traffic controllers and military operations contributed to the collision. The NTSB investigation will focus on multiple factors, including air traffic control instructions, flight crew situational awareness, communication between military and civilian aviation authorities, and potential mechanical failures. Weather conditions, while challenging, are not currently considered a primary factor. Both aircraft were equipped with collision avoidance systems, and investigators will analyze why they failed to prevent the incident. The accident has reignited discussions regarding airspace management over Washington, D.C., particularly in relation to military and civilian traffic integration. Experts have highlighted the complexities of operating in the National Capital Region’s Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), which imposes strict protocols on all aircraft. FAA and Department of Defense officials have pledged full cooperation in the investigation, which is expected to take months to complete. |
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Video
Blancolirio
Vass
Taking Off
Kens 5
ASX
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Accident Location: Patomac River, Washington, DC 38°50’37.31″N 77° 1’28.28″W |
FAA Registration
N709PS
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Year of Manufacture
2004
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Serial Number
10165
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ADS-B Exchange | flightradar24 – N709PS | FlightAware – N709PS |
| NTSB Database |
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| ASN |
Aircraft Operator
American Eagle, opb PSA Airlines
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Image References
AeroTime
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Sean Hampton
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VH-60M Black Hawk Report |
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