By: Greg Lewis
Published on January 30, 2025,11:30p.m. EST
All 64 individuals aboard an American Airlines jet that crashed into an Army helicopter were feared dead in what’s said to be the worst U.S aviation disaster in almost a quarter century, Officials said Thursday.
It was reported that at least 28 bodies were pulled from the cold waters of the Potomac River after the helicopter apparently flew into the path of the jet late Wednesday as it was preparing to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport.
The plane carried 60 passengers and four crew members. Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.
“We don’t believe there are any survivors,” said John Donnelly, the fire chief in the nation’s capital. “We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.”
“On final approach into Reagan National, it collided with a military aircraft on an otherwise normal approach,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said. “At this time, we don’t know why the military aircraft came into the path of the ... aircraft.”
Investigators will try to piece together the aircraft’s final moments before the collision, including its contact with air traffic controllers.
“I would just say that everyone who flies in American skies expects that we fly safely,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. “That when you depart an airport, you get to your destination. That didn’t happen last night, and I know that President Trump, his administration, the FAA, the DOT, we will not rest until we have answers for the families and for the flying public. You should be assured that when you fly, you’re safe.”
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