67 Dead in D.C. Plane, Helicopter Collision

A tragic mid-air collision occurred near Washington D.C. on January 29, 2025, involving an American Airlines regional jet, identified as American Eagle Flight 5342, and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in the deaths of all 67 people on board both aircraft. The passenger jet was en route from Wichita, Kansas, where many of the passengers had attended the U.S. Figure Skating Championships and a subsequent development camp. Among the victims were prominent figures from the figure skating community, including young skaters, their mothers, and renowned coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The crash has prompted aviation safety discussions and investigations by both the FAA and the Pentagon. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and support is being provided for the victims' families. The incident highlights the need for stringent air traffic protocols, especially in congested areas like the nation's capital.