Midair Collision Between U.S. Army Black Hawk and American Airlines Jet Over Washington: Investigation Launched

A tragic aviation disaster occurred late Wednesday night when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet collided midair over Washington, D.C., before crashing into the Potomac River. The incident resulted in a devastating loss of life, prompting an urgent investigation into the events leading up to the crash and raising concerns about air traffic coordination.

American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by American Eagle, was flying from Wichita, Kansas, to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk carrying three U.S. Army personnel. All 64 individuals on board both aircraft perished.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Black Hawk was engaged in a sensitive Continuity of Government (COG) mission. The helicopter’s presence in civilian airspace has sparked debate over safety protocols and coordination between military and commercial aviation authorities.