Details of the Tragic Plane and Military Helicopter Crash in Washington, D.C.

Preview

A tragic crash occurred in Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport. The incident took place on Wednesday night and resulted in a collision that sent both aircraft into the Potomac River.

Details of the Incident:

Aircraft Involved:
- Jet: An American Airlines regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
- Helicopter: An Army Black Hawk helicopter.

Preview

Location:
- The collision happened as the jet was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The wreckage of both the jet and the helicopter ended up in the Potomac River.
Casualties:
- There were 64 people on board the jet, including U.S. figure skaters, coaches, and former Russian figure skaters.
- Emergency response units have confirmed the recovery of at least 30 bodies from the crash site.
Response and Recovery:
- A massive emergency response was initiated, involving fireboats and rescue crews. The D.C. Fire and EMS Department played a significant role in the recovery efforts.
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop at Reagan National Airport following the crash.
Communication and Timeline:
- Flight tracking audio revealed that there was no response from the helicopter after an air traffic control warning less than 30 seconds before the crash.

This incident has led to a significant and ongoing emergency response, with multiple agencies involved in the recovery and investigation efforts.