In a tragic accident, some of the U.S. Figure Skating community members were aboard a U.S. plane that crashed near Washington, D.C. The plane, operated as American Airlines flight 5342, left Wichita, Kansas, headed for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport but collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter.
The unfortunate collision occurred on the night of January 29, resulting in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. The flight was carrying a total of sixty passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter had three on board.
This flight held a special significance as athletes, trainers, and family members were returning from the National Development Camp, conducted alongside the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.
The U.S. Figure Skating organization confirmed that Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, both renowned Russian-born coaches and former world champions, were accompanying the young skaters. The couple has lived in the United States since 1998, investing their expertise in nurturing young talent.
The skating world remembers their remarkable victory in 1994 when the duo won the world championship in pair skating. Ludmila Velikova, who trained them from their early days, confirmed in a recent statement that fourteen skaters and trainers were on the unfortunate flight. Thankfully, Maxim, their son who had also competed, traveled separately.
US Figure Skating expressed their grief, stating, “We are devastated by this tragedy and our thoughts are with the victims’ families. As more information surfaces, we promise to keep everyone informed.”
Identities of those involved have not been fully disclosed. However, this year’s championships included all 2024 champions: Madison Chock with Evan Bates, Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, and the pair Ellie Kam alongside Danny O’Shea.
Christine Brennan, a respected sports analyst, emphasized the importance of the National Development Camp in polishing rising stars aimed at future major events, including the 2030 Olympic Games. Many onboard the flight were considered emerging talents.
One participant, Spencer Lane, cherished his opportunity at the camp, realizing a long-sought goal. Recently, he shared joyful moments with fellow campers on Instagram. Sadly, in a twist of fate, he posted an image of the ill-fated flight’s wing on social media shortly before the crash.
The tragic accident, involving the aircraft and military helicopter, yields few hopes of survivors as indicated initially by the authorities. Efforts have seen the recovery of twenty-seven victims from the passenger plane alongside one military crew member. Current operations have shifted to recovery rather than rescue.
President Donald Trump addressed the incident on Truth Social, with Vice President JD Vance also expressing concerns after FAA officials clarified the collision near Reagan Airport.
The FAA detailed that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet approached the airport when it collided with an Army Sikorsky H-60 helicopter mid-air. The crash is under investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Trump remarked on the tragedy, pointing out the necessity of guidance from air traffic control in preventing such mid-air collisions. Acknowledging that it’s a grave circumstance, he emphasized, “NOT GOOD!!!”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the shocking incident has drawn Presidential attention, with efforts focused on supporting the affected families.
Amidst the ongoing investigation, local media continues to relay updates regarding the rescue efforts on the Potomac River, where the wreckage of both the American Eagle Flight 5342 and the Army Black Hawk helicopter remain submerged.
Approximately 300 emergency teams face treacherous conditions and extremely low temperatures in their rescue operations. Thus far, they have recovered not just human remains but also personal belongings from the crash site.
Despite the difficult environmental conditions affecting survival chances, officials press on with determination, seeking closure for the families and the communities impacted.
