On January 29, at 8:47 p.m. ET, a Black Hawk helicopter carrying three US soldiers
collided mid-air with a PSA Airlines aircraft, operated by American Airlines,
as Flight 5342 approached Washington, D.C. The crash occurred while the flight,
en route from Wichita, Kansas, had 60 passengers and four crew members on board.
The collision sent debris into the Potomac River, marking the deadliest US aviation
accident since 2001. Despite efforts by 300 first responders, no survivors were found.
Flight data showed the pilot, Captain Jonathan Campos, and First Officer Samuel Lilley
made a last-ditch attempt to lift the plane before impact. Preliminary data indicated
a discrepancy in altitude readings, with the helicopter possibly exceeding the 200-foot
limit for the region. Investigations are ongoing.Campos had spoken to his uncle before
the crash, sounding upbeat about a planned family cruise. American Airlines expressed
condolences and confirmed they were assisting with emergency response efforts.
