All 67 people aboard an Army helicopter and an American Airlines flight tragically lost their lives in a midair collision over the Potomac River, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, officials confirmed. The tragedy took place late Wednesday night.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Early findings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicate that air traffic control staffing levels at the time were “not normal.”
Investigators have recovered two flight data recorders, commonly known as black boxes, from the American Airlines aircraft.
In a controversial statement earlier today, former President Donald Trump speculated that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives might have played a role in the tragedy, despite the investigation being in its infancy.
Among the victims were elite figure skaters returning from a training camp in Wichita.
Details About the Aircraft
The military helicopter involved in the crash was a UH-60 Black Hawk, often referred to as the “workhorse” of Army aviation. First introduced in 1979, the Black Hawk is a multipurpose tactical transport helicopter used in operations ranging from combat missions to disaster relief.
Timothy A. Loranger, an aviation attorney and former aircraft mechanic, noted that the Black Hawk has a strong safety record and is regarded as a reliable and durable aircraft.
Recovery Efforts Underway
Divers have combed through accessible areas of the Potomac River, according to the Washington Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department.
“The investigation and recovery efforts are ongoing. Our divers have searched all areas that are currently accessible,” the department announced on X (formerly Twitter).
Efforts will continue tomorrow, with divers working alongside the NTSB to locate additional aircraft components, support the investigation, and begin salvaging operations. Overnight, boats will remain on the scene to conduct security patrols and surface searches, assisted by local, state, and federal agencies.
Air Traffic Controllers Union Responds
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) expressed condolences to the families of the victims and praised the efforts of first responders.
“We join all Americans in mourning this tragedy and offer our prayers to the passengers, crew, military personnel, and their loved ones,” NATCA said in a statement.
The union reaffirmed its support for the air traffic controllers, highlighting their dedication to maintaining the safety of U.S. airspace. “Our highly trained workforce operates 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring the United States remains the gold standard for aviation safety,” the statement read.
Trump’s Remarks Stir Controversy
Although the cause of the collision remains unknown, Trump criticized DEI policies today, claiming they have negatively impacted the FAA and the performance of air traffic controllers. His remarks have drawn criticism, given the lack of evidence linking DEI initiatives to the incident.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on understanding the events leading up to the collision and preventing future tragedies.
