Yesterday, recovery teams worked tirelessly on the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., where an American Airlines jet tragically collided with an Army helicopter, leading to the deaths of all 67 people on board. The American Airlines flight, carrying 64 passengers, was coming from Wichita, Kansas, while the helicopter had three U.S. service members.
The collision, which occurred Wednesday night close to Ronald Reagan National Airport, is recognized as the deadliest air disaster involving a commercial jet in the United States since 2009. Just before the incident, the pilots were instructed to change their landing approach, raising questions about air traffic control protocols when such a transition occurs.
Reports indicate that staffing in the airport’s control tower was below normal, with one controller managing both helicopter and commercial flight instructions, tasks that are typically divided between two individuals. Among those lost were notable figures in the sports world, as several U.S. and Russian figure skaters were on board after participating in a training camp linked to the national championships in Kansas. The shocking event has resonated widely, with maps and graphics being utilized to illustrate the moments leading up to the tragic crash.
