Over 30 Bodies Recovered from American Airlines-Army Black Hawk Crash [WATCH]

Officials have shifted from a search and rescue mission to a recovery effort following the midair collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.

Authorities have stated that they do not expect any survivors.

The American Airlines flight, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with the military helicopter around 9 p.m. while approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The impact sent debris into the Potomac River, where recovery efforts have been focused.

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

Speaking at a Thursday morning press conference, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly confirmed that the search and rescue operation had transitioned into a recovery mission.

“We are now at a point where we’re switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident,” Donnelly stated.

Officials are now working to reunite the bodies with their families.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy provided details on the condition of the aircraft wreckage.

“The fuselage of the American Airlines plane was inverted,” Duffy said.

“It’s been located in three different sections. It’s in about waist-deep water, so that recovery is going to go on today.”

Recovery teams are continuing efforts to retrieve wreckage and remains from the river, with federal and local authorities coordinating the operation.

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) spoke about the devastation, acknowledging the loss of life, particularly among Kansans aboard the flight.

“It’s really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously,” Marshall said during a press conference at Reagan National Airport early Thursday morning.

“When one person dies, it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die, it’s an unbearable sorrow. It’s a heartbreak beyond measure.”

The American Airlines jet was carrying 64 people at the time of the collision. Officials have not yet confirmed how many were aboard the military helicopter.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the cause of the collision. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.

The Pentagon has not yet released details on the identities of those aboard the Army helicopter, and American Airlines has stated that it is in contact with federal authorities to support the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.

Recovery operations are expected to continue throughout the day as authorities work to retrieve remains and determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash. Additional details will be released as the investigation progresses.

This is a developing story.

---

Original article below:

A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched Wednesday evening after an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet collided midair near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the collision occurred around 9 p.m. local time when a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport.

#BREAKING: The military Blackhawk that crashed into an American Airlines flight in Washington, DC was reportedly “FLYING DARK,” per ADSBexchange

The chopper was NOT broadcasting an ADSB signal at the time.

It has just been found submerged in the Potomac River, and first… pic.twitter.com/Ei74STsV1T

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 30, 2025

The regional jet and the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter reportedly made contact midair before impact.

Authorities have not yet released details on potential casualties or the cause of the accident.

The Army confirmed that three soldiers were on board the helicopter at the time of the crash.

The aircraft was assigned to Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, stationed at Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir.

The Army stated it is cooperating with local authorities and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

American Airlines reported that 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the CRJ-700 jet at the time of the collision.

“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft,” American Airlines said in a statement. “We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”

President Donald Trump addressed the situation, calling it a “terrible accident” and offering prayers for those involved.

“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,” Trump said in a statement.

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport.”

“May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details… pic.twitter.com/Ro8weA6IWf

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 30, 2025

Vice President JD Vance urged people to remain hopeful amid the unfolding crisis.

“Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening,” Vance posted on X. “We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”

Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.

— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 30, 2025

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who had been sworn in just hours before the crash, stated he was closely monitoring the situation and had directed the FAA and the Department of Transportation to assist in the investigation.

“I have spoken with Washington D.C. Mayor Bowser, Virginia Governor Youngkin, Kansas Governor Kelly, and NTSB Chair Homendy to offer our agency’s complete assistance,” Duffy posted. “Thank you to all first responders who are on the scene and conducting the search and rescue operations.”

I have spoken with Washington D.C. Mayor Bowser, Virginia Governor Youngkin, Kansas Governor Kelly, and NTSB Chair Homendy to offer our agency’s complete assistance. Thank you to all first responders who are on the scene and conducting the search and rescue operations.

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) January 30, 2025

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an official investigation, with the NTSB leading the effort.

The FBI’s Washington Field Office confirmed that its National Capital Response Squad was responding to the crash to assist law enforcement and public safety teams.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that all available U.S. Coast Guard resources were being deployed to aid in the search and rescue operation.

DC Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr., stated that approximately 300 emergency responders were on-site.

Fireboats were dispatched to assist in rescue efforts near the Potomac River.

Weather conditions at the time of the crash included clear skies, 10 miles of visibility, and sustained winds from the northwest at 16 mph, with gusts reaching 26 mph.

Audio recordings from air traffic control indicate that the arriving commercial jet was cleared to land on Runway 33 after pilots confirmed they could make the approach.

Meanwhile, a controller was heard asking the helicopter, “PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight?” The helicopter reportedly responded, but on a different frequency.

Seconds later, another pilot was recorded saying, “Tower, did you see that?”

A webcam at the Kennedy Center captured what appeared to be a midair explosion near the Potomac River.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a video statement early Thursday, confirming that the airline’s emergency response team was en route to the crash site. A helpline for concerned families was also established at 1-800-679-8215.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly acknowledged the incident, stating she was in contact with authorities.

“I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport,” Kelly said.

“I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available.”

I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport. I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available.

— Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) January 30, 2025

Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan., also commented on the situation, offering prayers for victims and first responders.

“My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families,” Marshall wrote.

“There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident.”

Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. A plane, traveling to the Nation’s capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each…

— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) January 30, 2025

Trump weighed in further on the crash via Truth Social, questioning how the collision was allowed to happen.

“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport,” he wrote.

“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, 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!!!”

This incident marks the first crash involving a U.S. commercial flight since 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407, traveling from Newark to Buffalo, crashed on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, killing all 45 people on board.

Authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.