Plane Crash in D.C.: 18 Bodies Recovered After Midair Collision with Army Helicopter

An American Airlines plane with 64 people on board collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., crashing into the Potomac River. At least 18 bodies have been recovered, with no survivors found. Search operations are ongoing, and all flights at Reagan National Airport were grounded.

On January 31, 2025, a devastating plane crash occurred near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. The collision happened in midair while the plane was approaching for landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The plane, which had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The helicopter, based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, was on a training flight with a crew of three.
The accident resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 18 bodies recovered by 11:30 p.m. ET, according to a police official at the scene. No survivors have been found so far. The search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with three debris fields identified in the Potomac River.
Following the crash, all flights were grounded at Reagan National Airport, which is located in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. The airport announced that it would not reopen before 5 a.m. Thursday, and passengers with grounded flights were directed to rebook their flights.
President Trump released a statement expressing his condolences and praising the work of first responders. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the importance of aviation safety and emergency response.

1. What happened in the plane crash?
   An American Airlines plane collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter in midair near Washington, D.C., resulting in a crash into the Potomac River.
2. How many people were on board the plane?
   The plane had 60 passengers and four crew members.

3. How many bodies have been recovered?
   At least 18 bodies have been recovered.

4. Were there any survivors?
   No survivors have been found so far.

5. What is the status of the search operations?
   Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with three debris fields identified in the Potomac River.

The plane crash near Washington, D.C., is a tragic reminder of the risks involved in aviation. The incident highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols and swift emergency response. The ongoing search operations aim to recover all victims and provide closure to their families.