American Airlines jet and Army helicopter collision feared to be deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in 24 years
An American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night. Officials fear that everyone on board the jet and the helicopter is dead, making it the worst U.S. aviation disaster in almost a quarter century.
At least 28 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, where the midair collision took place. The American Airlines jet was on a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path, resulting in the tragic accident.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, but authorities believe there are no survivors. The wreckage of both the plane and the helicopter has been found in the river.
The cause of the collision is still unknown, but officials are investigating the circumstances leading up to the tragic incident. The Federal Aviation Administration has announced the reopening of Reagan Airport, which was closed following the crash.
The passengers on the American Airlines flight included a group of figure skaters, coaches, and family members returning from a skating event. The figure skating community is devastated by the loss and holds the victims’ families close to their hearts.
This tragic event has once again brought the safety of air travel into question. Transportation officials assure the public that the United States has the safest airspace in the world, despite this unfortunate incident.
The last major fatal crash involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. Investigations into the cause of this recent crash are underway to provide closure to the families of the victims.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy, and we stand in solidarity with the figure skating community during this difficult time.