A midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter claimed the lives of 60 passengers and four crew members (64) from the passenger jet, and three Army service members (3) from the Helicopter on the evening of January 29, 2025. The crash occurred over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The American Airlines jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was on approach to Reagan National Airport when it collided with the military helicopter.
Inna Volanskaya, an ice-skating coach from Ashburn, was among the victims while in Wichita for the U.S. Figure Skating event held from January 20-26.
“These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas,” U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement. Some young athletes had remained in Wichita until January 28 for an advanced training program and were reportedly traveling home with their families on the ill-fated jet.
At a press briefing on January 30th, officials confirmed there were no survivors, stating that the operation had shifted from “rescue” to “recovery.” So far, 28 bodies have been recovered. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is the lead agency heading the investigation.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin mentioned that he has spoken with NTSB’s Chair, and they are in the process of moving personnel from across the country to begin the investigation.
“There are lots of really important questions to be answered,” he told CNN, noting the investigators will determine as to how this crash occurred.
“We will support them [NTSB] with every ounce of capability that we have at the state level. Mayor Bowser said the same thing as has Governor Moore and of course, the President was monitoring all night,” he added.
Following the tragedy, President Donald Trump issued a White House statement, saying, “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…”
Later, President Trump raised questions about the crash in a social media post, noting, “The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.”
He emphasized that it was a “CLEAR NIGHT” and that the plane’s lights were “blazing,” questioning, “Why didn’t the helicopter go up or down or turn?” and “Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane?” Calling it a “bad situation,” he suggested the tragedy “should have been prevented.”
Virginia officials also expressed their condolences. Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears stated, “Our hearts are broken for the families who must now process the grief of such a sudden and unexpected death.”
Senator Mark Warner said, “Our hearts are deeply broken for the victims of the tragic accident at DCA,” while Senator Tim Kaine added that he was “heartbroken about the aviation disaster near DCA” and would push for a full investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army.
Indian American lawmakers have expressed their condolences to victims and their families who are impacted due to the tragic crash.
“It’s confirmed that none of the 67 people in last night’s crash survived, including members of our community like Inna Volanskaya, an ice-skating coach in Ashburn,” said Rep. Suhas Subramanyam from Virginia’s 10thdistrict noting that he is working with federal, state, and local authorities on this crash.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) said “My heart goes out to the victims and families impacted by the devastating crash at DCA.”
Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) added, “My heart goes out to all those affected by the tragic accident at DCA…”
Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) noted “I am incredibly saddened by the recent aircraft crash at DCA.”
Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA) said his “prayers are with all those impacted by this tragedy.” All lawmakers thanked first responders who are involved in the ongoing recovery operations.
Authorities continue recovery efforts as investigations begin into the cause of the deadly crash.
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