On Wednesday night, a tragic midar confrontation between an American Airlines passenger Jet and the US Army helicopter near the Reagan National Airport of Washington DC claimed the lives of all 67 people on the board. The phenomenon, which crashed both aircraft into the Potomac River, marks the most deadly air disaster in the US over two decades. As investigators work to determine the cause, recovery efforts are underway, and officials are combining the last moments leading to the accident. Here we know till now.
Recovery efforts are underway
By Friday afternoon, the recovery teams had rectified 41 bodies, with 28 positively identified. Officials have informed 18 families about the death of their loved ones. Search efforts are underway to detect the remaining victims and debris.
Investigation is going on
Federal investigators are analyzing communication between air traffic controllers and both aircraft. An important question is whether the army helicopter was flying above its authorized 200-foot height. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the army would review the flight data before concluding the conclusion.
Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the aircraft, as well as black hawk box. Officers are working to extract and analyze data. Interviews with air traffic controllers have begun, at least one controller is already providing testimony to the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB).
Accident
Among the 67 victims, members of the Skating Club of Boston were returning from the 2025 US Figure Skating Championship. Notable victims included teen figures Jinnah Han and Spencer Lane, his mothers, and Russian -born coach Evagenia Sheeshkova and Wadim Naomov, 1994 world couple skating champions. In addition, there was a group of predators returning from Kansas, Nine students from Fairfax County, Virginia and parents of four steamfitors and two Chinese citizens from Maryland. The captain of the aircraft was identified as Jonathan Campos, 34.
The army identified two of the three soldiers in the helicopter: Staff Sergeant. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, Lilburn, Georgia’s, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 of Andrew Loyd Ews, 39, Great Mills, Maryland. The identity of the third soldier has not been revealed at the family request. By Friday, only O’Hara’s remains were recovered.
Political reactions and speculation
Officials have warned against initial speculation. However, at a press conference on Thursday, President Donald Trump convicted the helicopter crew of the army without presenting evidence. On Friday, he reiterated his claim that Black Hawk was flying above his height limit, writing on the truth social, “It was far above the 200-foot border. It is not really complicated to understand, is it ???
White House press secretary Karolin Levitt replied saying that Trump was informed by investigators, but he did not confirm his claim.
Officers continue to investigate the conditions of the accident while the families wait for the response.
