The Deadly Crash That Shook Washington, DC
On January 29, 2025, a devastating mid-air collision occurred over the Potomac River, involving PSA Airlines Flight 5342, operating as American Eagle, and a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter. The crash resulted in the loss of all 67 people on board both aircraft. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing, with initial reports pointing to concerns over air traffic control staffing levels. Below is a detailed timeline of the events surrounding this tragedy.
Timeline of the DC Plane Collision
January 29, 2025
- 8:47 p.m. EST: PSA Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700, collides mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, just half a mile from the approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. All 67 individuals aboard both aircraft perish in the accident.
- 8:48 p.m.: Emergency responders are alerted to the crash.
- 8:58 p.m.: The first emergency units arrive at the scene and discover wreckage in the river. Freezing temperatures, strong winds, and murky water hinder rescue efforts.
- 9:00 p.m.: All takeoffs and landings at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport are suspended, with flights diverted to alternate airports.
January 30, 2025
- Morning: Recovery operations intensify, with emergency personnel from multiple agencies participating in the search for victims and wreckage.
- 11:00 a.m.: The airport reopens for operations after a temporary shutdown.
- Afternoon: Officials confirm that all 67 individuals on board the two aircraft are presumed dead.
January 31, 2025
- Morning: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recovered the flight data recorder from the Black Hawk helicopter. The cockpit voice and flight data recorders from the CRJ700 were also retrieved, though one had suffered water damage.
- Afternoon: Initial reports indicate that only one air traffic controller was managing both aircraft at the time of the collision. The FAA is reviewing its staffing policies in response.
February 1, 2025
- Morning: Recovery teams retrieve 42 bodies, including the three soldiers from the Black Hawk.
- Afternoon: The FAA imposes new flight restrictions on helicopter traffic near Reagan National Airport, exempting only emergency and presidential aircraft.
Ongoing Investigation
- The NTSB continues its investigation, analyzing data from flight recorders and reviewing air traffic control communications. A preliminary report is expected in the coming weeks, with a final report anticipated within a year.
Victims of the Potomac River Plane Crash
Authorities have released the names of some of the victims, including crew members, military personnel, and civilian passengers. Among the deceased are:
Crew Members of PSA Airlines Flight 5342:
- Captain Jonathan Campos (pilot)
- First Officer Samuel Lilley (co-pilot)
- Flight Attendant Ian Epstein
- Flight Attendant Danasia Elder
Black Hawk Helicopter Crew:
- Captain Rebecca Lobach, 28
- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves
- Staff Sergeant Ryan O’Hara
Notable Civilian Victims:
- Jinna Han, 13 (figure skater)
- Jin Han (mother of Jinna Han)
- Spencer Lane, 16 (figure skater)
- Christine Lane (mother of Spencer Lane)
- Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov (renowned figure skating coaches)
- Angela Yang, 11 (ice dancer)
- Sean Kay, 11 (ice dancer)
- Kiah Duggins (civil rights lawyer)
- Lindsey Fields (biology professor)
The loss of these individuals has deeply impacted the figure skating community, military families, and the loved ones of those who perished. Investigators are working to determine the causes of this tragedy and prevent similar future incidents.
What Comes Next?
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will continue to analyze air traffic control procedures, pilot communications, and flight data to uncover the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Families of the victims are demanding accountability and changes to prevent future mid-air collisions near high-traffic airports. Updates on the investigation will be published as new details emerge.
FAQ
Q: Can I file a lawsuit if a loved one died in an accident caused by negligence?
A: If you lost a loved one due to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Contact our legal experts to learn about your rights and start a free, confidential case review.
Q: What caused the mid-air collision?
A: The cause is still under investigation by the NTSB, but early reports indicate potential air traffic control staffing issues may have played a role.
Q: Were there any survivors?
A: No, all 67 individuals aboard both aircraft tragically lost their lives in the crash.
Q: What actions are being taken to prevent similar incidents?
A: The FAA has imposed new flight restrictions on helicopter traffic near Reagan National Airport and is reviewing air traffic control policies.
Q: When will the final investigation report be released?
A: A preliminary report is expected in the coming weeks, with a final report likely to take up to a year.
Q: How are the families of the victims being supported?
A: Various organizations, including victim advocacy groups and government agencies, are providing emotional and financial support to affected families.
Citations
- Cohen, M., & Smith, J. (2025, January 29). Live updates: DC plane crash over Potomac River. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/plane-crash-dca-potomac-washington-dc-01-29-25/index.html
- Johnson, L. (2025, January 31). Victims of the DC plane crash. People. https://people.com/
- Thompson, R. (2025, January 31). FAA under scrutiny after mid-air collision in Washington DC. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/
- Williams, A. (2025, January 30). Recovery efforts continue after tragic DC plane collision. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-news/dc-plane-crash-recovery/
- Davis, P. (2025, February 1). NTSB preliminary findings on Potomac River mid-air collision. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/us-news/ntsb-report-dc-plane-crash
