Midair Collision Claims 67 Lives Near Washington, D.C.

A catastrophic midair collision near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter resulted in no survivors, claiming the lives of 67 individuals. This crash is the deadliest U.S. air accident in nearly 24 years and occurred as the jet was landing at Reagan National Airport, sending debris into the Potomac River. President Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy suggested that the crash could have been prevented and emphasized the administration's commitment to uncovering the cause. Initial reports indicate that the plane, carrying figure skaters from Wichita, Kansas, collided with the helicopter during a routine approach. The investigation, led by the National Transportation Safety Board, is focusing on potential failures in communication and collision avoidance systems. Chilling footage of the fiery explosion and audio from air traffic controllers have emerged, adding urgency to the ongoing recovery and investigation efforts.