Plane Crash in the U.S.: Aviation Disaster on Landing Approach in Washington D.C.
In the heart of America's capital, Washington D.C., tragedy struck as a small plane plunged into the Potomac River, according to Liter.kz. Waves of reports poured in from world news agencies, painting a picture of chaos near Ronald Reagan National Airport, just about four kilometers south of the White House and Capitol building.
The airport halted incoming and outgoing flights amid the turmoil. Reuters, citing Senator Jerry Moran, reported that the doomed plane hailed from Kansas and collided mid-air with a military helicopter as it attempted a landing. This information was eventually validated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
U.S. media outlets, including Fox News, reported live from the scene. They confirmed that the aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ700, is capable of accommodating up to 78 passengers, according to FAA data. Reuters, referencing a source from American Airlines, revealed that the fateful plane carried 60 passengers. Typically, a Bombardier CRJ700's crew comprises three or four individuals.
However, the fate of the helicopter is still shrouded in mystery.
The crash, unfortunately, left 67 lives extinguished—64 passengers aboard the CRJ700 and three crew members on the helicopter. Many of the victims were figure skating athletes, some with Olympic aspirations, en route from a competition[2].
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is spearheading the investigation, with preliminary data indicating that both aircraft had communicated with air traffic control prior to the collision[2][4]. The FAA has temporarily restricted helicopter traffic over the Potomac River around DCA until the NTSB concludes its investigation[3].
Previous safety concerns at DCA were highlighted by over 15,000 close proximity events between commercial aircraft and helicopters between October 2021 and December 2024, hinting at a pattern of near misses[1]. FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau acknowledged that "something was missed" in relation to the crash, signaling a call for improved safety measures[1].
As of April 2025, the investigation continues, with the NTSB examining radar data and flight altitudes, and decrypting recorder data to shed more light on the catastrophe[4]. The FAA continues to collaborate with the investigation and implement temporary restrictions on helicopter traffic in the area[3].
- The doomed plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, hailing from Kansas, had collided mid-air with a military helicopter, as confirmed by Senator Jerry Moran and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- The aircraft, capable of accommodating up to 78 passengers, carried 60 passengers during the fateful incident, as reported by Reuters citing an American Airlines source.
- General news outlets, including Fox News, reported on the crash near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C., just four kilometers south of the White House and Capitol building.
- According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the crash left 67 lives extinguished, including 64 passengers aboard the CRJ700, three crew members on the helicopter, and many who were figure skating athletes with Olympic aspirations.
