Tragic Collision Between American Airlines Jet and Army Black Hawk Helicopter Near Washington, D.C.
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A tragic collision occurred on Wednesday evening near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when an American Airlines regional jet, Flight 5342, collided with an Army Black Hawk military helicopter. The flight was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, including figure skaters and their coaches who were returning from a development camp following the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Among the passengers were notable figures from the figure skating community, including Russian Olympians and coaches.The collision happened just before 9 p.m. ET, with the plane approaching the airport runway. Air traffic controllers had asked the helicopter if it had the plane in sight, receiving no response from the helicopter crew. Moments later, the two aircraft collided, leading to a significant search-and-rescue operation in the Potomac River. The crash occurred in some of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol.The exact number of casualties remains unclear, but it is reported that there were multiple fatalities. The U.S. Figure Skating organization confirmed the presence of several members of its community on the flight and expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. The International Skating Union also offered its condolences and support to those affected.
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The collision has prompted a large-scale emergency response, with over 300 first responders on the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash. The airport has been closed due to the emergency, and all takeoffs and landings have been halted.The last fatal crash involving a U.S. commercial airline occurred in 2009 near Buffalo, New York. This latest incident has brought back memories of the 1982 Air Florida crash, which also occurred over the Potomac River and resulted in numerous fatalities.