Deadly Mid-Air Collision Over Washington DC: What We Know So Far
Deadly Mid-Air Collision Over Washington DC: What We Know So Far
What happened?** On January 30, 2025, a Black Hawk military helicopter struck American Eagle Flight 5342, an American Airlines passenger jet, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 67 people on board. Investigation: The NTSB has recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders and is evaluating them. Early scrutiny has focused on air traffic control staffing levels. Airspace safety: The crash has resurfaced concerns about the congested airspace near Washington DC, with military helicopters conducting training exercises near Reagan National Airport. FAA leadership: The investigation began without a permanent FAA leader, after the former chief resigned following pressure from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.