By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-30 06:12:06 | Updated at 2025-01-30 18:43:00
12 hours ago
The Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines commuter plane near Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia Wednesday was on a “training flight” when it crashed into the Potomac River, according to the military service branch.
“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,” an Army spokesperson told Fox News.
“We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.”
The chopper had three military personnel aboard at the time of the crash but was not carrying any VIPs, a defense official told CNN.
The passenger plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, according to American Airlines.
First responders have recovered at least 18 bodies from the Potomac. No survivors have been located yet, according to CBS News.
Audio from Air Traffic Control reveals that the plane was cleared to land, though it was unclear whether the military helicopter was in effective communications with ATC officials.
Follow The Post’s coverage of the American Airlines jet’s collision with a military helicopter in DC
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that his department is launching an investigation.
“Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls, and their families,” Hegseth wrote on X, adding, “Investigation launched immediately by Army and DoD.”
The collision between the American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kan., and a Black Hawk military helicopter occurred as the commercial airliner approached Reagan National Airport at about 9 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Military aircraft have had a recent spate of crashes during training exercises.
Last year, four military helicopters conducting training missions ended in disaster, with a total of nine people dying as a result of those accidents.
