Update: Russian skating stars among victims in deadly DC plane crash; Trump blames air traffic control failures

• Midair collision between American Airlines flight and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington D.C. killed all 67 aboard.
• Victims included prominent figure skaters, such as Russian world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
• Crash occurred during approach to Reagan National Airport, with both aircraft falling into the Potomac River.
• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy calls the crash “absolutely preventable,” questioning air traffic control and communication.
• National Transportation Safety Board launches full investigation as recovery efforts continue and debates about air traffic control safety arise.

Investigators are learning more about the tragic accident that took place when an American Airlines plane carrying 64 people collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., late Wednesday night.

All 67 individuals aboard both aircraft — 60 passengers, four crew members, and three soldiers — are presumed dead, marking the deadliest U.S. aviation incident in over two decades. Among the victims were several prominent figure skaters, including Russian world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were returning from a national skating championship in Wichita, Kansas.

The collision occurred around 9 p.m. local time as the American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, approached Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport. The Black Hawk helicopter, on a training mission, was also in the vicinity. Both aircraft plummeted into the icy waters of the Potomac River, where first responders worked through the night in frigid conditions to recover bodies. As of Thursday morning, 28 victims had been recovered, with officials confirming the mission had shifted from rescue to recovery.

A preventable tragedy?

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the crash “absolutely preventable,” though the exact cause remains under investigation. Air traffic control recordings reveal that controllers had instructed the helicopter to pass behind the commercial jet, but the collision occurred shortly after. Aviation experts and officials have raised questions about communication lapses and the challenges of nighttime flying.

President Donald Trump, addressing the nation Thursday, expressed his condolences and emphasized the need for accountability. He called the accident a “dark and excruciating night in our nation’s capital and in our nation’s history, and a tragedy of terrible proportions.” Trump also criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), suggesting they may have contributed to the tragedy.

Figure skating community mourns

The American Airlines flight was carrying members of the U.S. Figure Skating National Development Team, including athletes, coaches, and family members returning from a competition in Wichita. The Skating Club of Boston confirmed that six of its members were among the victims, including two former world champions and two teenage skaters.

Russian officials also confirmed the deaths of Shishkova and Naumov, who won the 1994 World Championship in pairs skating. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed condolences, calling the crash “bad news from Washington.”

The crash has reignited debates about air traffic control safety and staffing. Former U.S. Air Force navigator and aviation attorney Jim Brauchle noted that near-misses have become increasingly common in recent years. “I hate to say this, but a lot of people in the aviation industry have predicted that there was going to be an accident,” he said.

As recovery efforts continue, the nation mourns the lives lost in this tragedy. Families of the victims have been assured that all remains will be recovered, though the process may take time.

President Trump concluded his remarks with a message of unity: “Together, we take solace in the knowledge that their journey ended not in the cold waters of the Potomac, but in the warm embrace of a loving God.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the crash, with updates expected in the coming weeks. For now, the focus remains on honoring the victims and supporting their grieving families. As the investigation unfolds, the nation will seek answers — and solutions — to prevent such a disaster from ever happening again.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

RT.com

NYPost.com

FoxNews.com