Deadly Midair Collision Over Potomac: 67 Killed in DC Plane and Helicopter Crash

Investigators probe altitude discrepancies as recovery efforts continue in the deadliest US air disaster since 2001.

An American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport on January 29, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.
The crash occurred three miles south of the White House, with clear skies reported at the time; both aircraft ended up inverted in the Potomac River.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating conflicting altitude data, with the jet recorded at 325 feet and the helicopter at 200 feet during the collision.
Recovery crews have identified 55 victims and retrieved key components, including flight data and voice recorders; a preliminary NTSB report is expected within 30 days.
Two airport employees were charged with computer trespass for leaking surveillance footage of the crash, which was aired by CNN.