Last Updated on March 3, 2025
On January 29, 2025, the skies over Washington, D.C., witnessed an incomprehensible tragedy when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. This catastrophic accident claimed 67 lives, making it one of the deadliest air crashes in the United States in over two decades. While the nation mourns, the investigation raises critical questions about aviation safety and protocol in controlled airspace.
Timeline of the American Airlines Crash
The DC plane crash unfolded rapidly in the airspace above the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), just as Flight 5342 prepared to land.
American Airlines CEO Issues Statement
Robert Isom, the CEO of American Airlines, issued the following statement in regards to changes to flight activity at DCA:
Recovering the Bodies of the Victims
The Potomac River plane crash death toll includes 60 passengers, 4 crew members from the Embraer jet, and 3 Black Hawk crew members. Over 100 specialists, comprising forensic pathologists, autopsy technicians, and FBI agents, worked relentlessly to recover and identify the victims’ remains from the wreckage. The D.C. Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed that the victims have been identified, with one remaining in the process of DNA verification.
Arrests of Ronald Reagan Airport Employees
While the nation wants to fully understand what happened, investigators arrested two employees of the Ronald Reagan National Airport on charges of computer trespass for allegedly leaking sensitive airport footage of the collision.
Mohamed Lamine Mbengue (21) and Jonathan Savoy (45) were charged after media outlets published videos from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).
The leaked footage shows the precise moment of the collision.
Radar Evidence Raises Questions
While the crash investigation is inconclusive, radar analysis presents new theories about the Black Hawk helicopter’s altitude. Sources close to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) suggest that radar data indicates the Black Hawk helicopter may have been flying higher than its operational clearance level for DCA’s airspace.
These findings, though not yet verified, imply that a deviation in altitude could have left the helicopter vulnerable to unintended proximity with a commercial flight on approach.
Altitude Issues and Missed Communications
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy reported that the helicopter was flying at 278 feet, above the required 200-foot altitude for that route. Investigators are still determining whether the altitude readings were accurate.
Air Traffic Control warned the helicopter about the approaching jet less than 2 minutes before the crash, but the message may not have been fully received. Seconds before impact, the jet’s automated system issued a traffic alert, and Air Traffic Control instructed the helicopter to pass behind the plane. However, the crew may not have heard this due to a mic transmission issue.
The CRJ-700 attempted to increase its pitch just before the crash. The Black Hawk pilot was conducting a night vision goggles check ride, but investigators found no indication the goggles were removed. The NTSB has not determined the official cause of the accident and expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days.
Wichita Airport Plans for Memorial
A growing memorial at Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita honors the victims of Flight 5342, which crashed near Washington, D.C., nearly a month ago. Initially starting with two tables, the tribute has expanded to nine, filled with flowers, notes, and personal messages from travelers.
Many visitors stop to reflect, leave tributes, or add flowers. One traveler, Sister Mary Catherine Clark, visited intentionally, recalling when an American Airlines flight returned the bodies of four victims to their families.
The memorial will be taken down on Monday, but airport officials plan to digitize the notes and create a framed collage for temporary display. A community-led committee will meet next week to discuss a long-term tribute.
DM Injury Law will update as news develops.