D.C. Plane Crash Kills 67 Including Russian Skaters

A tragic mid-air collision occurred near Reagan National Airport, Washington D.C., between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in the presumed deaths of all 67 onboard both aircraft. The American Eagle Flight 5342, traveling from Wichita, Kansas with 60 passengers and four crew, collided with the helicopter carrying three soldiers. Among the deceased were renowned Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. The crash, considered the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in over two decades, prompted condolences from both the Kremlin and the Russian Figure Skating Federation. Rescue operations transitioned to recovery efforts with 28 bodies recovered from the Potomac River by Thursday. Officials, including those from Wichita, Kansas, held press conferences to update on the tragedy, acknowledging the profound loss and ongoing investigation into the crash's circumstances.