Tragic Mid-Air Collision Over Washington: Chaos in the Control Tower Before Disaster
A tragic mid-air collision over Washington, D.C., has left no apparent survivors, as a US passenger jet carrying 64 people crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with a military helicopter. The accident happened around 9:00 PM (0200 GMT) on Wednesday night, as the Bombardier CRJ-700, operated by American Airlines’ regional subsidiary PSA Airlines, was making its final approach to Reagan National Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas.
In the final moments before the collision, air traffic controllers at Reagan National issued a warning to the military helicopter. “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?” an air traffic controller asked. Then came another directive: “PAT25, pass behind the CRJ.”
There was no response. Seconds later, disaster struck.
An observing pilot quickly radioed in, sounding the alarm. “Tower, did you see that?”
In the control tower, the realization was immediate. “Crash, crash, crash, this is an alert three,” a controller was heard calling out in distress, according to Reuters.
No Signs of Survivors
American Airlines confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the CRJ-700. The US Army reported that its Black Hawk helicopter, which was engaged in a nighttime training mission, was carrying three soldiers.
As soon as the crash occurred, emergency teams sprang into action. More than 300 personnel rushed to the scene, launching a large-scale search and rescue operation. Despite their efforts, authorities fear there are no survivors.
Fire Chief John Donnelly told reporters, “Officials don’t believe there are any survivors.”
A Nation Reacts
The tragedy prompted an outpouring of condolences, including from US President Donald Trump, who issued an official statement expressing sorrow for the victims. However, just hours later, he took to social media to criticize the handling of the situation.
“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“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? This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”
Investigation Underway
Following the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily grounded all flights at Reagan National Airport. The facility is not expected to resume normal operations until at least 11:00 AM (1600 GMT) on Thursday.
Emergency response units search the crash site of the American Airlines plane on the Potomac River after the plane crashed on approach to Reagan National Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.
American Airlines CEO issued a heartfelt video statement expressing “deep sorrow” over the tragedy, while US Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas described the incident as “nothing short of a nightmare.”
How Could This Happen?
Aviation experts and federal investigators are now grappling with the crucial question: How did a modern passenger jet equipped with state-of-the-art collision-avoidance technology collide with a military aircraft in one of the most carefully monitored airspaces in the country?
Washington’s airspace is known for its complexity. Civilian aircraft often fly at low altitudes over the city, while military and government helicopters frequently operate at varying elevations throughout the day and night. This mix of air traffic is now a key focus of the investigation.
As authorities work to piece together what went wrong, families of the victims—and the nation—are left mourning a catastrophe that, at least on the surface, seemed preventable.