Deadly Collision Between Passenger Jet and Army Helicopter

There are not believed to be any survivors after a midair collision between a plane and military helicopter.

On January 29, 2025, a tragic mid-air collision occurred over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members. The U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter had 3 military personnel on board.

The collision happened around 9 p.m. local time as both aircraft were approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport. Following the impact, both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River. Emergency responders, including units from the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and Maryland State Police, were dispatched to the scene. Rescue efforts were hampered by cold temperatures, strong winds, and icy water conditions. As of the latest reports, 28 bodies have been recovered, with no survivors found.

In response to the incident, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport suspended all takeoffs and landings, diverting flights to nearby airports. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the cause of the collision.

Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky has recovered millions of dollars for victims of transportation accidents. Over the last decade, the firm has successfully handled several mass casualty events involving transportation, including the 2015 Amtrak train derailment in Philadelphia. With a roster of nationally-known practitioners and formidable financial resources, SMB has taken on some of the country’s most complex, technical, data, and document-intensive cases and won.

This tragic event underscores the critical importance of aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this devastating accident.

SMB’s transportation attorneys are available for commentary as this situation develops.