Deadly Midair Collision Over Potomac River Sparks Intensive Recovery Effort

An American Airlines jet and a military Black Hawk helicopter collided, killing all 67 aboard, as investigators and recovery crews work to uncover causes and retrieve remains.

Recovery operations are underway in the Potomac River to retrieve wreckage and remains from the January 29 midair collision near Washington, D.C.
The crash involved an American Airlines jet carrying 64 passengers and crew and an Army Black Hawk helicopter with 3 personnel onboard; there were no survivors.
Authorities have identified 55 of the 67 victims, including figure skaters returning from a national championship and military personnel aboard the helicopter.
Investigators are reviewing flight data recorders to determine if the helicopter exceeded its altitude limit or if air traffic control errors contributed to the collision.
The crash is the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster since 2001, with a preliminary investigation report expected within 30 days.