U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter and American Airlines
Midair Collision Between U.S. Army Black Hawk and American Airlines Flight Over Washington: Investigation Underway – In a tragic and unprecedented aviation disaster, a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet collided midair over Washington, D.C., late Wednesday night. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River, resulting in a devastating loss of life. Authorities are now racing to determine the sequence of events that led to the fatal crash, as concerns mount over air traffic safety and coordination between military and civilian aviation authorities.
Timeline of the Tragedy
American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by American Eagle, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The commercial aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three U.S. Army personnel on board. Sadly, there were no survivors.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Black Hawk was on a Continuity of Government (COG) mission, a highly sensitive operation designed to ensure the U.S. government remains functional in times of crisis. The presence of the military exercise in a civilian flight corridor has sparked widespread concerns about safety measures and airspace coordination.
