Rescue teams continue efforts to recover the bodies of all 67 victims from the tragic mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The crash involved an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ regional jet carrying 64 passengers and crew, and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter with three personnel on board. Among the deceased were members of the U.S. Figure Skating team, Russian figure skaters, coaches, and family members, as confirmed by U.S. Figure Skating and Russian media.
Final Moments Before Impact
Air traffic control recordings reveal that the Black Hawk helicopter, designated “PAT 25,” entered heavily trafficked airspace as it approached Reagan Airport. Controllers had been managing multiple takeoffs and landings, directing pilots to maintain safe distances.
Moments before the crash, a controller warned the Black Hawk crew about the incoming CRJ jet, stating, “Traffic just south of the Woodrow Bridge, a CRJ, it’s 1,200 feet setting up for Runway 33.” The helicopter pilot acknowledged the message and requested “visual separation”—a maneuver indicating that the pilot had the incoming aircraft in sight and would avoid it. The tower approved the request.
However, despite this clearance, both aircraft continued on a collision course. Nearly 40 seconds later, controllers again checked with the Black Hawk pilot, instructing them to “pass behind” the commercial jet. The pilot once again confirmed sight of the aircraft and requested visual separation. Tragically, moments later, the two aircraft collided. Gasps and shouts could be heard from the air traffic control tower as the disaster unfolded.
Expert Analysis and Trump’s Controversial Claim
Aviation experts, including retired American Airlines pilot Richard Levy, praised the air traffic controllers for their handling of the situation, emphasizing that their instructions were clear and precise. Levy stated that he found no fault in the guidance provided.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, without presenting evidence, blamed FAA diversity initiatives for the crash, sparking controversy. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the Black Hawk crew had been wearing night vision goggles, which, while useful in low-light conditions, can restrict peripheral vision.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise causes of the collision and whether any procedural errors contributed to the tragedy.
