A devastating crash occurred on Wednesday night, January 29, when a US passenger plane carrying 64 people collided mid-air with a military helicopter near Washington’s Reagan National Airport.
The collision resulted in the American Airlines flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, plummeting into the Potomac River. 
Tragically, no survivors have been found among the 60 passengers, four crew members, and three soldiers onboard the military helicopter.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the crash occurred around 9 p.m. as the American Airlines flight was approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport.
The military UH-60 helicopter, based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, was conducting a training exercise at the time of the collision.
Earthcam footage from the Kennedy Center captured the shocking sight of a fireball erupting in the sky moments after the mid-air explosion.
Audio from Air Traffic Control recorded the desperate moments as the collision occurred just minutes before the American Airlines flight was cleared to land.
The crash prompted a major emergency response, with about 300 first responders and divers actively searching the Potomac River.
The water, a chilling 35 degrees, created perilous conditions for the search and recovery operation.
“The conditions out there are extremely rough for the first responders, it’s cold, they’re dealing with windy conditions,” said DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly.
Divers have reported finding a large amount of debris, with the American Airlines plane reportedly split in two and floating upside down in 7 feet of water.
Furthermore, divers have been unable to approach the helicopter due to its unstable position in the water.
This tragic event serves as a painful reminder of the unpredictability of air travel.
American Airlines stated, “Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft,” adding that they are working closely with authorities to assist in the emergency response efforts.
