President Donald Trump has posed a significant question following the tragic plane crash in Washington this week.
On Wednesday evening, January 29, 2025, a Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers onboard tragically collided mid-air with a commercial aircraft carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 jet operating for American Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided with the helicopter around 9 PM as it approached Runway 33 at Washington airport.
By January 30, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly commented, “We are now shifting from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.”
“At this juncture, we believe there are no survivors from this accident,” he added somberly.
Recently, CBS acquired audio recordings from the moments leading up to the crash. An official is heard saying, “The accident happened in the river,” noting that “both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river.”
A controller who witnessed the crash explained, “It was probably out in the middle of the river. I just saw a fireball and then, it was just gone. I haven’t observed anything since they hit the water.” He confirmed that “it was a CR-J and a helicopter that collided, potentially a half-mile of the approach.”
Another pilot reported seeing “flares from the opposite side of the Potomac” following the crash, while an approach controller mentioned, “Both aircraft involved are in the river, and search and rescue efforts are currently underway.” Reports have indicated that the American Airlines plane broke in half and is submerged seven feet underwater in the Potomac River. Rescue teams are actively searching for survivors, and at least 18 bodies have been reportedly recovered from the river.
An Army spokesperson stated, “We can confirm that the aircraft involved tonight was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training mission.”
“We are collaborating with local officials and will release more information as it becomes available,” added the spokesperson.
American Airlines issued a statement: “If you believe a loved one was on Flight 5342, please call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Individuals outside the US can visit news.aa.com for additional contact numbers. For family members in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, you can dial 800-679-8215 directly.”
President Trump expressed his condolences on Wednesday night, stating, “I am fully briefed on the terrible accident that occurred at Reagan National Airport.”
“May God bless their souls. I am immensely grateful for the incredible work by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will update as further details emerge.”
Posting on Truth Social, Trump remarked, “The airplane was on a perfect routine approach to the airport.”
He continued, “The helicopter was approaching the airplane for a considerable time.”
“It was a CLEAR NIGHT, the plane’s lights were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter ascend or descend, or change direction,” he questioned.
“Why wasn’t the control tower guiding the helicopter rather than merely asking if it saw the plane,” Trump inquired.
“This unfortunate situation seemingly could have been avoided. NOT GOOD!!!”
In closing, he added, “What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all! Heartbreaking, RIP.”
