Newly released air traffic control audio reveals the tense moments after American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C. The dispatcher can be heard confirming the tragic scene, stating, “The accident happened in the river. Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river.” The crash, which left more than 60 people feared dead, remains under investigation by the FAA and NTSB.
Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines-operated CRJ-700, was on final approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport when it struck the military helicopter, sending both aircraft into the icy Potomac River. Emergency responders have since recovered 18 bodies, with ongoing efforts to locate missing passengers and crew. The airport has suspended all takeoffs and landings as the investigation continues.
Eyewitnesses described seeing a “white flare” in the sky before realizing the severity of the collision. Jimmy Mazeo, who was dining in a nearby park, recalled, “We didn’t really think much of it until we saw the fire trucks going out to the tarmac and the police cars and boats. It was insane.” He added, “I’m praying for all the people involved in this.”
President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy, saying, “May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders.” He later posted on Truth Social, calling it “a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!” Officials are now working to determine the cause of the crash, with concerns raised over airspace coordination in the D.C. region.
