Investigators Work to Recover Aircraft Wreckage After Fatal Washington Crash

On January 29, 2025, an American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of all 67 individuals on both aircraft. The collision occurred as the CRJ700 jet was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Investigators have recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the jet and are analyzing them to determine the cause of the accident. Recovery teams are working to salvage the aircraft and locate additional components. Preliminary information indicates that the helicopter may have been flying above its designated altitude limit at the time of the collision. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining factors such as air traffic control procedures and flight operations.