Washington DC Reagan Airport Plane Crash Live Updates: Passenger Plane Collides With Black Hawk Helicopter

08:31 (IST) 1 Feb 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Disabled workers fearful after Trump's FAA claims

President Trump's recent statements about the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have sparked fear and dismay among disabled workers, particularly those in the aviation industry.

Miles O'Brien, a journalist and pilot who lost his left arm in 2014, shared his personal struggle with the FAA's licensing process. Despite his disability, O'Brien successfully renewed his private pilot's license, but only after being required to perform tasks with one arm that most pilots do with two.

The FAA's lack of accommodations for disabled pilots has raised concerns about the agency's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. As the FAA faces scrutiny over its safety record, disabled workers worry that their rights and abilities will be overlooked.

04:38 (IST) 1 Feb 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: NTSB head Inman refuses to confirm low air traffic control staffing reports

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jeremy Inman declined to confirm reports of low air traffic control staffing at the time of the deadly mid-air collision near Washington DC, stating that the investigation will examine the controller's behaviors over the last several weeks, including the 72 hours leading up to the crash. (BBC)

02:04 (IST) 1 Feb 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: US Army withholds names of third soldier killed in collision

The US Army withheld the name of one of the three soldiers killed in collision, following a family request, as per Reuters. The identified soldiers are Staff Sergeant Ryan Austin O'Hara and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves. Details of the third soldier remain undisclosed. The Army stated, "At the request of the family, the name of the third Soldier will not be released at this time."

01:41 (IST) 1 Feb 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Reagan Airport VP pressed on air traffic congestion concerns

Terry Liercke, vice president of Reagan Airport, faced questions about whether he had raised concerns with the FAA regarding air traffic congestion, reported BBC. "The United States airspace is the safest in the world. Safety is our, one of our top priorities," Liercke responded. When pressed about past near misses, he did not directly answer whether concerns had been raised, stating only, "We work with the FAA," as per BBC.

00:58 (IST) 1 Feb 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Trump administration prioritizing FAA staffing, says White House

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump is focused on increasing staffing at federal agencies like the FAA, reported The Guardian. “That’s why he signed a very strong executive order on his second day in office, immediately terminating DEI hiring practices at the FAA,” she said.

00:21 (IST) 1 Feb 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: White House expresses continued mourning for crash victims

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed that the administration is mourning the victims of the collision and supporting their families, reported The Guardian. “Everyone in this White House continues to mourn the victims and keep their friends and families in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time,” she said. Leavitt added that the president is receiving ongoing updates as recovery efforts continue.

23:55 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: White House Press Secretary holding press briefing

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is currently holding a press briefing, as per The Guardian.

23:35 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: American Airlines to retire flight number of crashed jet

American Airlines is retiring the flight number of the American Eagle jet involved in the fatal midair collision with a military helicopter, according to NBC News. The airline confirmed that flight number 5342 will no longer be used following the accident. NBC reports that it is common practice for airlines to retire flight numbers after major aviation disasters.

22:29 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: NTSB official says black box recovery is a good start in investigation

Recovering the commercial plane’s black boxes is “a good start to putting together one of the very many pieces of this puzzle,” said NTSB spokesperson Todd Inman on 'Good Morning America', as per BBC. Inman noted it will take “several days” to analyze the black box data, as multiple people must review the audio tapes. On the broader probe, he said, “These major investigations will take us a year, if not more, to come to a final probable cause.” The NTSB will then issue recommendations to prevent similar accidents, as per BBC.

21:39 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: FAA restricts helicopter flights near Reagan Airport

The FAA has indefinitely restricted helicopter flights near Washington’s Reagan National Airport, reported Reuters. An FAA official said most helicopters are now barred from key routes near the airport, except for police and medical flights. The move aims to prevent further risks as crews recover wreckage from the deadliest US air disaster in two decades.

21:25 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Air Traffic Controllers Association president defends workforce

Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, defended air traffic controllers after President Donald Trump claimed DEI initiatives at the FAA have lowered standards, reported BBC. In an interview with CBS News, Daniels emphasized their rigorous training, stating, “It doesn’t matter their race, color, religion, you can know you are in the best hands that take that responsibility very seriously every day.” Responding to Trump’s remarks, he added, “I couldn’t tell you exactly what he was talking about because the quality of air traffic controllers out there is outstanding.”

20:12 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: More than 40 bodies reportedly recovered

More than 40 bodies have been pulled from the water after DC midair collision, as per law enforcement official, reported AP.

19:24 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: President Trump says helicopter 'flying too high'

US President Donald took to his own social media platform Truth Social and alleged that the US military's Black Hawk helicopter was flying "too high" than its limit. However, his claims cannot be verified as investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board are underway. The agency is expected to come out with a preliminary report in the next 30 days. In a post on his own social media , Trump wrote:

19:09 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Reagan National, a challenging airport to land

The National Safety Council estimates that Americans have a 1-in-93 chance of dying in a motor vehicle crash, while deaths on airplanes are too rare to calculate the odds. Figures from the Department of Transportation tell a similar story. But the airspace around Reagan National can challenge even the most experienced pilots no matter how ideal the conditions, reports AP. They must navigate hundreds of other commercial planes, military aircraft and restricted areas around sensitive sites. Just over 24 hours before the fatal collision, a different regional jet had to go around for a second chance at landing at Reagan National after it was advised about a military helicopter nearby, according to flight tracking sites and control logs. It landed safely minutes later.

Meanwhile, speaking with the BBC, Mo Khimji, a pilot who regularly flies in and out of Reagan National Airport says the airport and surrounding airspace are extremely congested and that even with all the superb training pilots find it challenging.

“If we are landing on the river and we have a strong right to left crosswind, we have to be cognizant of it. A late turn can result in that wind pushing us into the restricted airspace by a whisker," Mo adds.

19:00 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Low staffing, weather, altitude--What might have caused the crash?

One air traffic controller was responsible for coordinating helicopter traffic and arriving and departing planes when the collision happened, according to a report by the Federal Aviation Administration that was obtained by The Associated Press.

Those duties are often divided between two people, but the airport typically combines the roles at 9:30 pm, once traffic begins to slow down. On Wednesday the tower supervisor directed that they be combined earlier.

“The position configuration was not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic,” the report said.

A person familiar with the matter, however, said the tower staffing that night was at a normal level. The positions are regularly combined when controllers need to step away from the console for breaks, during shift changes or when air traffic is slow, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal procedures.

The FAA has long struggled with a shortage of air traffic controllers. Officials said flight conditions were clear as the jet arrived from Wichita, Kansas.

“Both pilots had flown this specific route before, at night. This wasn’t something new to either one of them,” said Jonathan Koziol, chief of staff for Army aviation.The helicopter's maximum allowed altitude at the time was 200 feet (about 60 meters), Koziol said. It was not immediately clear whether it exceeded that limit, but Hegseth said altitude seemed to be a factor in the collision. AP

18:49 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Flights operating normally at Reagan National Airport

American Airlines has told the BBC that flights running from Wichita, Kansas to Washington DC are set to resume today.

Flight number AA5677 operates six times a week, a spokesperson for the airline said.

Meanwhile, the Reagan National Airport -- close to where the collision happened and the destination of the passenger plane - is "operating normally, including all customer services", the airport says.

An American Airlines flight to Miami set off from the airport ahead of schedule early this morning, with further departures currently expected to run on time. BBC

18:22 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Divers return to Potomac River for DC plane crash recovery

Divers are expected to return to the Potomac River on Friday as part of the recovery and investigation after a mid-air collision killed 67 people in the United States' deadliest aviation disaster in almost a quarter century. Investigators have already recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder of the American Airlines plane that collided with an Army helicopter as the plane was landing Wednesday night(local time) at Ronald Reagan National Airport next to Washington, DC.

Officials are scrutinizing a range of factors in what National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Hommendy has called an “all-hands-on-deck event.”All aboard the two aircraft were killed, with officials examining the actions of the military pilot as well as air traffic control after the helicopter apparently flew into the path of the American Airlines jet. AP

17:49 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: The Russian figure skating stars killed in the crash

Among the passengers aboard on the flight involved in the DC crash were Russian former skating stars Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were a pair of coaches at a club in Boston.

They won the world championships in 1994 and went on to compete at the Winter Olympics before taking coaching roles in the US.

They leave behind their 24-year-old son, Max, who followed his parents into figure skating.

The Russian embassy in Washington says US authorities have expressed their "readiness to help" with the repatriation of their remains.

Inna Volyanskaya - a former skater for the Soviet Union - was also on board the flight, according to Russian news agency Tass. BBC

17:38 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: NTSB evaluates recovered cockpit voice recorder

Pictures of the NTSB investigators with the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier CRJ 700 airplane involved in yesterday’s mid-air collision at DCA. The recorders are at the NTSB labs for evaluation.

NTSB investigators recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the Bombardier CRJ700 airplane involved in yesterday’s mid-air collision at DCA. The recorders are at the NTSB labs for evaluation. pic.twitter.com/IHypR0Jh76
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) January 31, 2025

17:34 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: What is the NTSB's history?

The NTSB history dates to 1926, when Congress passed a law charging the US Department of Commerce with investigating aircraft accidents. It was established as an independent agency within the US Department of Transportation in 1967 and then separated by Congress in 1974 as a stand-alone organization, fully independent from any other federal agencies.Since its creation in 1967, the agency reports it has investigated more than 153,000 aviation accidents and incidents. AP

17:33 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: How long will the investigation take?

NTSB officials did not say how long the investigation would take, but accident investigations often take between one to two years to complete. The agency typically releases a preliminary report within a few weeks of the accident that includes a synopsis of information collected at the scene. AP

17:11 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: What does NTSB do?

National Transportation Safety Board(NTSB) Chairwoman Jennifer Hommendy described the investigation into the crash Wednesday night as an “all-hands-on-deck event” for the agency during a news conference Thursday in which she appeared with members of the board and a senior investigator overseeing the probe.

The NTSB is an independent federal agency responsible for investigating all civil aviation accidents as well as serious incidents in the US involving other modes of transportation, such as railroad disasters and major accidents involving motor vehicles, marine vessels, pipelines and even commercial space operators.

“We’re here to ensure the American people that we are going to leave no stone unturned in this investigation,” Hommendy said, noting the probe is in the very early stages. “We are going to conduct a thorough investigation of this entire tragedy, looking at the facts.” AP

17:08 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: 'We'll feel the pain of this catastrophe for years to come', Politicians' tributes to victims

As the names of some of the 67 people killed in the fatal crash are slowly emerging, regional US politicians pay their tribute to members of their communities who lost their lives.

Governor of Rhode Island Dan McKee says state's the "heart breaks for their devastating loss", after figure skater Spencer Lane, 16, and his mother Christine Lane were killed.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin says that he’s learned “Virginia families were among those lost”, but has not identified the victims himself.

In Wichita, Kansas, where the flight to Washington DC departed, congress members Ron Estes and Roger Marshall issued a joint statement.

They say "it’s likely that many of us directly or indirectly know people who were on Flight 5342", adding that it is a "sad day for Kansans and our nation".

"This community - steeped in aviation and manufacturing history - will feel the pain of this catastrophe for years to come.” BBC

16:35 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Helicopter pilot and crew chief named

The identities of two of the three people onboard the Black Hawk involved in the collision have been named, the identity of the third person is not yet known.

Pilot Andrew Eaves from Mississippi has been named by his wife, Carrie, as one of the victims on the helicopter.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves says the state "is mourning the loss of Brooksville native Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves."

Ryan O'Hara, 29, was the crew chief of the Black Hawk helicopter according to CBS News.

He leaves behind a wife and one-year-old son, his Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) group says in a social media post confirming his death. BBC

16:07 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Crew aboard American Airlines jet named after fatal crash

Jonathan Campos has been identified as the captain of the American Airlines flight involved in the fatal mid air crash.

Epic Flight Academy wrote in a post on Facebook that "he was a skilled and dedicated pilot with an undeniable passion for flying".

Sam Lilley has been named as the second pilot on the American Airlines flight, his father Timothy tells Fox 5 News Atlanta.

"This is undoubtedly the worst day of my life," he told the news channel, after realising his son was one of the pilots on the flight.

Ian Epstein was a flight attendant on the plane, his family said, adding that he was known for his ability to make people smile and was "full of life". Among them was also flight attendant, Danasia Elder. BBC

15:29 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Helicopter in Washington crash might have been flying higher than approved, says report

The military helicopter that collided with an American Airlines regional jet on Wednesday night appears to have been flying too high and outside its approved flight path at the time of the crash, according to four people briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak publicly.

The Army Black Hawk helicopter was supposed to be flying in a different location and lower to the ground as it traversed the busy Reagan National airspace, the people said.

Before a helicopter can enter any busy commercial airspace, it must get the approval of an air traffic controller. In this case, the pilot of the helicopter asked the air traffic controller for permission to use a specific, predetermined route that lets helicopters fly no higher than 200 feet and that hugs the bank on the east side of the Potomac River, a location that would have let it avoid the American Airlines plane. New York Times

15:21 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Emotions pour from tight-knit skating community following DC plane crash carrying athletes, coaches

The tight-knit figure skating community was rocked Wednesday when an American Airlines flight carrying athletes, parents and coaches from a development camp in Wichita, Kansas, collided with an Army helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River.

60 passengers and four crew members on the flight, along with three soldiers aboard the Black Hawk helicopter, are presumed dead. Among those killed were young skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, their mothers and coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, all of them representing the prestigious Skating Club of Boston.

The accident was an eerie reminder of the 1961 plane crash that killed the US delegation en route to the world championships in Prague.

Many of the top skaters on that team, including sisters Laurie and Maribel Owen, were from the Boston club.___“We’re family, and it’s a community and the skaters — the people who were on that plane — they’re our family, too. ... I certainly don’t have any answers. I really can’t believe that it happened." — 1956 Olympic and two-time world champion Tenley Albright.

“I’m in complete shock. I’m sorry, I don’t even know what to say. Young skaters, coaches, parents, so many bright lights in our community. My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones.” — two-time and reigning US champion Amber Glenn. AP

12:21 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Black boxes recovered in deadly DC crash, Trump faces backlash over diversity comments

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has retrieved the black boxes from the commercial flight that collided with a military helicopter above Washington DC, killing all 67 people on board, the BBC reports.

As investigators work to determine the cause of the fatal crash, US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by suggesting that diversity policies may have contributed to the accident, despite lacking evidence to support his claims. The NTSB has announced that a preliminary report will be issued within 30 days, providing a clearer understanding of the events leading up to the tragedy.

11:06 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: what we know so far about the mid-air crash

A devastating mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington DC has claimed the lives of all 67 people on board, sparking a federal investigation into the cause of the tragedy.

- Crash details: The collision occurred on Wednesday at around 8:47 p.m. EST, just three miles from the White House and the US Capitol, in airspace that ranks among the most scrutinized in the world.

- Fatalities: All 67 people aboard the two aircraft are believed to have died in the crash, making it the deadliest US air crash since 2001.

- Aircraft involved: The American Airlines plane, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members from Wichita, Kansas. The US Army Black Hawk helicopter had three military personnel aboard.

- Investigation: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has begun its investigation, retrieving the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage. Preliminary information suggests the helicopter may have flown higher than its required altitude, and air traffic control procedures are also under scrutiny.

10:31 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: USACE Baltimore activates emergency operations center

USACE Baltimore announced on X that its Emergency Operations Center has been activated to provide response and recovery support following the devastating mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Baltimore District has activated its Emergency Operations Center, clearing the way for response and recovery support following the mid-air collision of an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. pic.twitter.com/Vh0Jc6YbC9
— USACE Baltimore (@USACEBaltimore) January 31, 2025

09:46 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Black Hawk helicopter may have exceeded altitude limit before fatal crash

According to reports cited by Fox News, the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport may have been flying higher than its permitted altitude and outside its designated flight path. Citing four sources, The New York Times reported that the helicopter was expected to operate at a lower altitude and in a different location within the airspace.

09:16 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: PM Modi offers condolences to families of Washington DC crash victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sadness over the loss of lives in the tragic collision in Washington DC, tweeting, "Deeply saddened by loss of lives in the tragic collision in Washington DC. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. We stand in solidarity with the people of the United States.

Deeply saddened by loss of lives in the tragic collision in Washington DC.

Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

We stand in solidarity with the people of the United States. @realDonaldTrump
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 31, 2025

08:33 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Chinese nationals among plane crash victims

The Chinese Embassy in the US has confirmed that preliminary information suggests two Chinese citizens were among the victims of Wednesday's midair collision near Reagan National Airport.

The Embassy has extended its deepest condolences to the victims' families and requested that the US verify the information and provide formal notification to China, Xinhua reported.

07:54 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Divers finish search of accessible areas at Potomac river crash site

DC Fire has announced that divers have completed their search of all accessible areas at the Potomac River crash site. The next phase of the operation, set to begin on Friday, will focus on locating aircraft components to aid the ongoing investigation and salvage the aircraft. Meanwhile, boats will remain on site overnight for security and to assist state and federal authorities with surface searches.

The investigation and recovery efforts remain active and our divers have searched all areas that are accessible.

Tomorrow, divers will work with NTSB to conduct additional searches to locate aircraft components, to support the investigation, and begin operations to salvage the…
— DC Fire and EMS Department (@dcfireems) January 31, 2025

06:40 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Kansas mayor says community is in grief after plane crash

The Mayor of Wichita, Kansas, Lily Wu, expressed her community's collective grief and support for the families affected by the American Airlines plane crash that took off from Wichita with 64 passengers and crew on board, stating that the community came together for a prayer event to help those grieving, and officials are waiting to release the names of the victims out of respect for the familie.

05:32 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Divers pause search for crash victims in Potomac River due to dangerous conditions

The search effort for remaining bodies in the Potomac River has been temporarily halted due to hazardous conditions, with responders believing they have retrieved all remains that can be safely accessed, according to CBS News.

04:52 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Air traffic controllers allowed to resign amid staffing shortage

The Trump administration's offer to federal workers, including air traffic controllers, has raised concerns about the already short-staffed air traffic control system. The offer allows workers to resign by February 6 and receive pay without working through September 30.

With the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) already facing staffing issues and estimating a need for 3,000 more air traffic controllers to meet industry demands, a significant number of resignations could exacerbate the problem. The FAA hired 1,811 air traffic controllers in 2024 and 1,500 in 2023, but attrition reduced the net gain, highlighting the challenges in filling the staffing gap. (CNN)

04:26 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: "Reagan airspace had previous close calls, says former NTSB chief"

The airspace where the recent accident occurred has been described as "the most congested airspace" in the US, with a history of close calls, according to Peter Goelz, former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board. Goelz criticized Donald Trump's comments on diversity hires, calling them "appalling" and damaging to American aviation safety's reputation. (BBC)

04:16 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Trump blames FAA's diversity practices for plane crash, offers to meet with affected families

President Donald Trump suggested that diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contributed to the recent plane crash, despite warnings from the National Transportation Safety Board that it's too early to determine the cause.

Trump stated that competence, not race, is the priority for FAA staff, emphasizing the need for highly skilled individuals in complex positions. While Trump plans to meet with families affected by the crash, he has no intention of visiting the collision site, jokingly asking if he should go swimming to access the site in the water.

01:54 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: NTSB yet to recover flight data recorders from crash

The National Transportation Safety Board has yet to recover flight data recorders after the Potomac crash, according to Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the independent board, reported NBC. “We have not recovered the flight data recorders yet. We know they’re there. They are underwater. This is not unusual for the NTSB. We have many times recovered flight data recorders underwater,” Homendy said.

J. Todd Inman, a board member, said the agency expected to recover flight data recorders from both the passenger aircraft and the military helicopter involved in the crash. NTSB leaders said they plan to produce a preliminary report of the Potomac crash within 30 days. “We are going to conduct a thorough investigation of this entire tragedy, looking at the facts,” said Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board. “We have nearly 50 people on scene.”

01:35 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: National Transportation Safety Board holding news conference

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is about to begin a news conference on the Washington DC crash, reported BBC. Earlier, President Trump said the independent investigative government agency is one of the bodies that will be tasked with investigating the incident.

(BBC)

01:33 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Loudoun and Fairfax schools confirm victims in crash

Loudoun and Fairfax County public schools confirmed members of their communities were among the victims of the crash. “Our hearts are broken as we learn that we have lost members of our FCPS family,” Fairfax Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid said. “I invite you to join me in praying for our families, friends, and colleagues.”

Loudoun Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence said "multiple victims" were former students, offering condolences to those grieving. Both districts are providing crisis counseling to students, staff, and families.

00:47 (IST) 31 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Trump questions helicopter’s movements before crash

Donald Trump raised concerns about the Black Hawk helicopter’s movements before it collided with an American Eagle jet, questioning why the crash occurred on a clear night, reported NBC. "You had a pilot problem, from the standpoint of the helicopter. I mean, because it was visual, it was very clear night. It was cold, but clear and clear as you could be," Trump said. He added, "You could have gone up, you could have gone down. You could have gone straight up, straight down. You could have turned, you could have done a million different maneuvers."

Trump said the incident would be studied but suggested common sense could have prevented it. "Some really bad things happened, and some things happened that shouldn't have happened." When asked later, Trump clarified, "I'm not blaming the controller," but questioned "the height of the helicopter, the height of the plane being at the same level, going in opposite directions" before ending the news conference.

22:49 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Trump says ‘helicopter was in the wrong place at the wrong time’

President Donald Trump addressed questions about the military helicopter’s training mission during remarks on the plane crash. "The helicopter was in the wrong place at the wrong time and a tragedy occurred," Trump said when asked about the incident. When pressed by a reporter about whether the helicopter was on a "continuity of government mission," Trump responded, "I don't know what that refers to."

He added that the aircraft was conducting a training exercise. "The helicopter was practising, and that's something that should be done," he said. "It was a practice that worked out very, very badly."

22:34 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Trump blames Biden, Obama, and Buttigieg for DC plane crash

Donald Trump targeted former US Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, along with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, in his remarks on the deadly DC plane crash. Trump criticized Biden’s policies, stating, "Biden’s policy was horrible," reported NBC. “We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system. I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary,” Trump said, without providing evidence or citing specific policy. He also blamed a "FAA diversity push" that "includes focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities that is amazing."

Trump then turned to Buttigieg, asking, "Do you know how badly everything’s run since he's run the Department of Transportation?" He added, "He's a disaster. He was a disaster as a mayor. He ran his city into the ground, and he's a disaster. Now he's just got a good line of bullshit."

“And then when I left office and Biden took over, he changed them back to lower than ever before. I put safety first, Obama, Biden and the Democrats put policy first, and they put politics at a level that nobody's ever seen because this was the lowest level,” he continued, adding, "their policy was horrible, and their politics was even worse."

22:05 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Trump confirms no survivors in crash

US President Donald Trump confirmed that there were no survivors in the deadly midair collision, reported NBC. In his remarks at the White House, Trump described the tragedy as "a tragedy of terrible proportions." He began his statement with a moment of silence for the victims and their families, saying, "I speak to you this morning in an hour of anguish for our nation." The president highlighted the ongoing search and rescue efforts, adding, "A massive search and rescue mission was underway throughout the night, leveraging every asset at our disposal, and I have to say, the local, state, federal military, including the United States Coast Guard in particular, they've done a phenomenal job."

"This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation's capital and in our nation's history and a tragedy of terrible proportions as one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly," Trump said, as per NBC.

21:54 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Washington DC plane crash marks first US commercial fatality in years

The deadly midair collision between the American Eagle plane and the military helicopter in Washington DC is the first fatal disaster involving a US commercial aircraft in several years, reported NBC. It brings to mind past catastrophic incidents, such as the Bombardier DHC-8 crash near Buffalo, New York, on February 12, 2009, which killed 45 people, and the devastating crash of an American Airlines flight in New York on November 12, 2001, which took the lives of all 260 people on board. The DC collision also draws comparisons to the 1982 Air Florida crash in the Potomac River that claimed 78 lives.

21:23 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Defense Secretary Hegseth says helicopter crew was 'fairly experienced'

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the helicopter crew involved in the crash was "fairly experienced" and conducting an "annual proficiency training flight" at the time of the collision, reported NBC. Hegseth added that the three crewmembers were from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Fort Belvoir, an army base in Virginia, approximately 14 miles from the airport.

21:02 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Trump says he’s 'fully briefed' on DC collision

President Donald Trump has been "fully briefed" on the deadly collision at Reagan National Airport, reported BBC. "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

20:36 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Trump to address deadly plane crash in press briefing

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced in a post that President Donald Trump will speak about the deadly plane collision during a press briefing at 11 a.m. ET this morning, as per NBC. The briefing will take place in the White House's James S. Brady Briefing Room, according to Leavitt’s post.

20:15 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Wichita Mayor expresses grief over plane crash

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu said, "Our hearts are heavy as a city," as per NBC. "We mourn with all those who have been impacted. This is a terrible tragedy that will unite those in Washington, DC, and Wichita, Kansas, forever," she added. Wu confirmed that final details on the individuals aboard the flight are not yet known, and no names will be released until families are contacted.

A communitywide prayer vigil will be held today at noon at Wichita City Hall. "Our community needs to come together to support the family members who have been impacted, to come together in honor of those individuals on that flight," Wu said.

20:04 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Washington plane crash was 'absolutely' preventable, says US transportation chief

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the collision between a passenger jet and an army helicopter over Washington, feared to have killed all aboard, was "absolutely" preventable, as per NBC. Duffy explained that the helicopter and civilian jet were in a "standard pattern" with "standard communication" with air traffic control and that experienced pilots were involved.

“Everything was standard in the lead-up to the crash. Obviously, something happened here,” he said, reported NBC. Duffy later backed President Donald Trump’s claim that the incident was preventable. “To back up what the president said, what I’ve seen so far, do I think this was preventable? Absolutely,” he stated.

19:48 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Congressman says he has spoken to the White House about the 'tragic' incident

US Congressman Ron Estes shared that he has spoken with the White House about the recent "tragic" incident, stating that Wichita's tight-knit community will feel its impact for years. He mentioned that while the investigation may take days or weeks, there's hope it will lead to measures that prevent similar accidents in the future.

(With inputs from BBC)

19:32 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Key details on the mid-air collision

No survivors are expected.

The jet carried 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three soldiers onboard.

Authorities have recovered 27 bodies from the plane and one from the helicopter so far.

US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said the crash was preventable and confirmed no communication breakdown between the aircraft.

The control tower issued an alert at 20:48 local time (01:48 GMT), prompting a response from 300 rescue workers.

Rescuers continue searching the wreckage in freezing, dark, and icy waters under difficult conditions.

(With inputs from BBC)

18:36 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Likely no survivors in Washington plane crash, says fire chief

There are likely no survivors from a crash involving a passenger jet and a US Army helicopter in Washington, officials said Thursday, as recovery teams pulled 28 bodies from the river where both aircraft went down.

"At this point we don't believe there are any survivors," Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly said at a news conference at Reagan National Airport, near the US capital. "We are now at a point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation."

Donnelly confirmed that 27 bodies were recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter.

17:39 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: 'Many, many, many' killed when jet hits helicopter, crashes into Washington river

Scores of people were feared dead after an American Airlines regional passenger jet carrying 64 people collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the frigid Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport.

NBC's Washington affiliate News4 reported that more than 30 bodies had been recovered from the river. US Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, from where the flight was traveling, suggested most if not all those on board had been killed.

"It's really hard when you lose probably over 60 Kansans simultaneously," he told a press conference at Reagan Airport in the US capital early on Thursday.

The midair collision occurred as the passenger jet was approaching to land at Reagan. Radio communications between the air traffic control tower and the Black Hawk showed the helicopter crew knew the plane was in the vicinity.

The Pentagon said it was launching an investigation. In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump questioned the actions of the helicopter crew and air traffic controllers on what he described as a clear night.

"This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!," he wrote.

American Eagle Flight 5342 was operated by PSA Airlines, an Ohio-based regional subsidiary of American Airlines. The plane was a CRJ-700, the airline said, from a line of regional jets made by Canada's Bombardier, later sold to Mitsubishi.
(Reuters)

16:54 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Reagan National Airport shut till 11:00 am local time

The entire airport has been shut down until at least 11:00 local time (16:00 GMT) while rescuers carry out rescue efforts in the icy cold river.

16:21 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Kremlin expresses condolences to Russians who lost loved ones in US plane crash

The Kremlin on Thursday expressed its condolences to the families of Russian citizens who lost their lives in the American Airlines plane crash in Washington on Wednesday night.

Russian ice skating coaches and former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were on board the plane that crashed into the Potomac River after a mid-air collision near Reagan Washington National Airport.

When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin planned to offer condolences to US President Donald Trump in a phone call, Peskov said there were no plans for high-level contacts for now. (Reuters)

16:19 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: DC Mayor to hold press briefing at 7:30 am ET

A press briefing will take place at 7:30 am ET (6:15 pm IST) at Reagan National Airport, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a post on X. The briefing will be live-streamed on the platform.

"Tonight, as our first responders continue their efforts, we are sending our love and prayers to the families, loved ones, and communities who are experiencing loss during this terrible tragedy. We will provide our next briefing at 7:30 AM at DCA. It will be live on this account," she said.

15:45 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Air traffic controller audio captures moments before and after Washington plane crash

Air traffic control audio recorded the final moments before and after the crash of an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter after a midair collision in Washington on Wednesday night.

Audio from LiveATC.net captured the final communications between the three crew members of the helicopter - call sign PAT25 - before it collided with the CRJ700 Bombardier jet carrying 64 passengers and crew, news agency Reuters reported.

"PAT25, do you have a CRJ in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ," an air traffic controller said at 8.47 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday (01:47 GMT on Thursday).

Seconds later, another aircraft called in to air traffic control, saying, "Tower, did you see that?" - apparently referring to the crash. An air traffic controller then redirected planes heading to runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport to go around.

The explosion in midair occurred over the frigid Potomac River near the airport.

"Crash, crash, crash, this is an alert three," one of the air traffic controllers can be heard saying in the audio from around the time of the crash. (Reuters)

14:46 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Human remains and debris wash ashore

CBS News has reported that human remains and aircraft debris have been washing up on the Virginia side of the Potomac River following a mid-air collision.

According to Van Cleave, the plane broke into multiple pieces, and diving teams have managed to access parts of the cabin, recovering one black box. Meanwhile, the helicopter was found upside down but largely intact, The Guardian reported.

14:09 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Former World champion skaters among victims in Washington midair collision

Russian former world champion ice skaters Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were reportedly on board an American Airlines plane that crashed into the Potomac River after a midair collision with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington.

The couple, who had been training young skaters in the US, were returning from the US Figure Skating Championships in Kansas.

Their son Maxim, also a skater, was feared to be among the victims, along with a group of young skaters and former Soviet skater Inna Volyanskaya, according to Reuters reports.

13:17 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: All we know so far

An American Airlines flight operated by PSA collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport.

The plane was carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members and had departed from Wichita, Kansas.

The helicopter was carrying 3 soldiers; no senior army officials were onboard.

All takeoffs and landings at Reagan Airport were halted following the incident.

Dozens of firefighters conducted dive operations in the Potomac River.

Ambulances, military personnel, park police, and DC metropolitan police joined the rescue operation.

President Donald Trump called it a “terrible accident” and praised emergency responders.

Senator Ted Cruz mentioned there were fatalities, but no official confirmation has been provided yet.

13:10 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Fire chief calls rescue operation 'highly complex' amid harsh weather conditions

During a press conference, the Fire and Emergency Services chief John Donnelly described the operation as "highly complex." He stated, "The conditions out there are extremely rough for the first responders. It’s cold. They’re dealing with relatively windy conditions – the wind is hard out on the river.”

12:31 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informs that Pentagon and Army investigating airline-helicopter crash

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed on X that the Pentagon and Army are investigating the collision involving American Airlines plane and US Army helicopter with 64 and 3 people onboard respectively.

Hegseth said that the investigation by the agencies were launched immediately post the crash took place in Potomac River, outside of Washington DC.

"Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls, and their families," Hegseth added.

12:24 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: FBI team joins first responders in Potomac River to search for survivors

The FBI’s Washington Field Office dive team has joined the first responders team in the Potomac River outside of Washington DC in search of survivors of the plane crash, involving American Airlines plane and US Army helicopter.

The FBI Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team (USERT) team is a specialised group who are trained in searching for and recovering submerged evidence, reported CNN.

12:15 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: What were the aircraft involved in midair crash in Washington DC?

An American Airlines regional passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the frigid Potomac River after a midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, officials said.

Below are the details of the aircraft involved:

UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter

The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is one of the most ubiquitous and iconic military helicopters, filling multiple roles for the U.S. military, including air assault, general support, medevac, command and control, and special operations support.

The aircraft involved in the Jan. 29 crash was flying with the call sign PAT25 and had three occupants, according to the Aviation Safety Network, a public database of aviation accidents. More than 5,000 Black Hawks have been built since production began in the mid-1970s.

Bombardier CRJ700

The Bombardier CRJ700, which can seat about 70 people, is a workhorse of regional commercial aviation. There are about 260 of the aircraft in service, according to Cirium, an aviation data company. The plane in the Jan. 29 crash was registered N530EA and manufactured in 2010, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. There were 60 passengers and four crew members onboard, American Airlines said.

The jet was registered to American Airlines but operated by its wholly owned subsidiary, PSA Airlines. Bombardier sold the CRJ700 program to a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries subsidiary in 2019. Production of new aircraft ceased in 2020.

(Reuters)

12:11 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Washington DC Mayor thanks first responders, says 'No timeline for rescue operation or investigation'

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser thanked the first responders who are involved in the rescue efforts involving the American Airlines plane and US military helicopter collision in Potomac River, outside of Washington DC.

"As we continue to pray for all involved, we are grateful for the efforts of our first responders during this tragic event," Mayor Bowser said on X.

Mayor Bowser further added that there is no timeline on the investigation and the first responders will be continuing the rescue efforts overnight in Potomac River for as long as it takes.

12:02 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Washington DC Fire chief says, 'We don't know if there are survivors'

Washington DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said that rescuers were quick in finding one of the aircrafts in Potomac River where the American Airlines flight collided with the US Army helicopter.

When asked by the reporters whether there were any survivors in the plane collision, the DC Fire Chief Donnelly said it was unclear. "We don't know if there are survivors," he added.

11:52 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Washington DC Mayor confirms American Airlines flight had 64 people, Army helicopter had 3

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser in a press briefing about the plane and helicopter collision informed that the American Airlines flight had 64 people onboard and the US military helicopter had 3 persons aboard, adding that both the aircrafts are now in the Potomac River.

"The focus now is rescuing people, and that’s what all of our personnel are focused on," Mayor Bowser said.

11:45 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Fire and emergency services chief says 'Over 300 first responders working, conditions on river extremely rough'

The Fire and Emergency Services chief John Donnelly said that over 300 first responders are involved in the rescue efforts at the scene of the plane crash in the Potomac River in Washington DC.

"The conditions out there are extremely rough," said John as conditions are cold and windy.

11:32 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Search and rescue operation ongoing in Potomac River with no signs of survivors

The search and rescue operation is continuing in the Potomac River in Washington DC where the American Airlines plane collided with a US Army helicopter.

Quoting sources, CNN reported that situation remained grim as there were no signs of survivors while the scenes described by the rescuers were "stunning".

11:18 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: US President Donald Trump says 'plane crash should have been prevented'

US President Donald Trump has said that the plane crash should have been prevented and raised questions over control tower's efficacy in a post on Truth Social.

11:11 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: American Airlines CEO Robert Isom heading to Washington DC

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said that he is heading to Washington DC where the flight collided with US Army helicopter outside of Washington D.C on Wednesday night.

"Members of our Go Team will be on their way to Washington DC and I’ll be heading there shortly as well," Isom said.

11:02 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: At least 18 bodies recovered from Potomac River after plane crash, say reports

At least 18 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River where the American Airlines flight that collided with US Army's Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night, CBS News reported citing sources.

The plane, American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA), had 60 passengers and 4 crew members on board.

10:52 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Reagan National Airport to remain shut till Friday morning, says FAA

The US aviation regulator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has said that the Reagan National Airport will remain closed until at least Friday at 5 a.m.

10:47 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: American Airlines releases toll-free number for loved ones of those onboard

The American Airlines has released toll-free numbers related to the incident.

"If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly," the airline stated.

10:44 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: What has the American Airlines said on the collision?

The American Airlines has put out a statement on the collision with a US Army helicopter on Wednesday night.

The airline stated: "American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700. There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft. Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts."

10:39 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: US Army's Black Hawk helicopter that collided with American Airlines flight was on a training flight

The US Army's Black Hawk helicopter which collided with American Airlines flight on Wednesday night was on a training flight, an official confirmed to NBC News.

The official added, "We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training flight."

10:25 (IST) 30 Jan 2025

Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: American Airlines jet collides with US Army helicopter in Washington DC

An American Airlines flight, American Eagle 5342, en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C with 60 passengers and 4 crew members onboard collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter outside of Washington D.C on Wednesday night, with casualties feared.

Washington DC Plane Crash Live: US military helicopter ‘flying too high’, alleges President Trump

Potomac Plane Crash | Washington DC Plane Crash Live Updates: Two out of three people present on the US military helicopter have been named so far. Pilot, first officer and crew members of the American Airlines plane that collided with the Black Hawk have also been identified.