Passenger Jet Collides with Army Helicopter Near Reagan Airport; Multiple Fatalities Reported

Share
Rescue teams prepare to search the Potomac River
Rescue teams prepare to search the Potomac River after reports of a commercial airplane colliding with a military helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington on January 29, 2025.
(Photo: Shawn Thew/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

A tragic midair collision between an American Airlines Passenger Jet Collides with Army Helicopter Near Reagan Airport; Multiple Fatalities Reported near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday has left multiple fatalities and prompted a massive search-and-rescue operation in the Potomac River.

The American Airlines flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the helicopter while landing at the airport.

Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter, according to an Army official. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Army Helicopter
Boats operate at the scene on the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo: AP/Julio Cortez)

Rescue teams, including dive crews and law enforcement helicopters, rushed to the scene as images from the river showed the planeโ€™s partially submerged wing and mangled fuselage. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the recovery of bodies but did not provide an exact number, stating, โ€œWe are going to recover our fellow citizens.โ€

More News

The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was carrying a group of figure skaters, coaches, and family members returning from a development camp following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. U.S. Figure Skating released a statement expressing devastation over the โ€œunspeakable tragedyโ€ and offering condolences to the victimsโ€™ families.

President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the accident, calling it a โ€œterrible tragedyโ€ and offering prayers for the victims. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas described the incident as โ€œan unbearable sorrow.โ€

The collision occurred in one of the most tightly controlled airspaces in the world, just three miles south of the White House and the Capitol. All take offs and landings at Reagan National Airport were halted as authorities worked to recover victims and investigate the cause of the crash.

Marslink News Read more

  • Mamdani endorses Hochul in New York governorโ€™s race

    Mamdani endorses Hochul in New York governorโ€™s race

    ShareMLN: 05/02/2026 New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochulโ€™s reelection bid, giving the Democratic governor a notable boost with progressive voters as she faces a primary challenge and a competitive general election later this year In an op-ed published in The Nation, Mamdani said the Democratic Party works best when it channels…


  • Poison control calls rise as weight loss drug overdoses increase

    Poison control calls rise as weight loss drug overdoses increase

    ShareMLN: 05/02/2026 Calls to poison control centers linked to overdoses of popular weight-loss medications are rising as use of GLP-1 drugs continues to expand, with some cases involving children who accidentally ingest or inject the drugs. GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Zepbound are designed to be injected, often on a weekly schedule, meaning the…


  • Nigeriaโ€™s first lady calls Trump focus on Christians a โ€œdivine interventionโ€

    Nigeriaโ€™s first lady calls Trump focus on Christians a โ€œdivine interventionโ€

    ShareMLN: 05/02/2026 Nigeriaโ€™s first lady Oluremi Tinubu said international concern over the persecution of Christians in Nigeria is often driven by propaganda, but described President Donald Trumpโ€™s focus on protecting Christians as a divine intervention that has opened space to deepen ties with the United States and confront insecurity and terrorism. Speaking in Washington while…


Ashley Michael
Ashley Michael

Ashley Michael is a journalist who covers U.S. politics, breaking news, and major events. she focuses on bringing clear, accurate, and timely stories to readers.