64 feared dead after mid-air collision near Washington

A tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, DC, has left all 67 people onboard feared dead. Officials have so far recovered 28 bodies from the Potomac River, where both aircraft crashed following the collision.

The devastating incident occurred as the commercial jet, identified as American Eagle Flight 5342, was making its final approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport. The aircraft collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter engaged in a training exercise. The collision took place just three miles from the White House and the Capitol.

Transition to Recovery Operation

Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the crash site, initially launching a rescue mission. However, Washington's Fire Chief John Donnelly confirmed in a press briefing that the operation had now shifted to a recovery mission, as authorities no longer expect to find survivors.

"We are now at a point where we're switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident," Donnelly stated.

Wreckage Found in Potomac River

The fuselage of the passenger jet was discovered in three sections, lying upside down in waist-deep water. The wreckage of the Black Hawk helicopter was also located nearby. Search and recovery teams continue their efforts to locate the remaining victims and additional debris.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Officials have yet to confirm what led to the catastrophic mid-air crash.

Details of the Flight and Passengers

The passenger jet had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was carrying a group of figure skaters, their coaches, and family members. They were returning home after attending a development camp following the US Figure Skating Championships.

Presidential Response

President Donald Trump has been fully briefed on the tragedy. Expressing his condolences, he stated, "May God bless their souls," in reference to the passengers and crew lost in the crash.

Rescue and recovery operations remain ongoing as investigators work to piece together the events that led to one of the deadliest aviation accidents in American history.