Over the Potomac River, dangerously close to Washington D.C., a tragedy occurred on January 29th, 2025 when 67 individuals were killed in a horrific crash between a regional jet and a military helicopter. On the aircraft were passengers, crew, and key figures of the figure skating community, who were returning from the national training camp. This accident has raised serious concerns among the public on air traffic control, military procedures, and safety measures in congested areas.
The crash involved American Airlines flight 5432 and U.S. Army Black Hawk. On their journey from Wichita, Kansas to Washington D.C., 60 passengers on board American Airlines and 4 Black Hawk crew members, who were on a routine training flight, were sadly killed due to an in-flight vehicle collision. The U.S. military released a Continuity of Government Plan shortly after, stating that the Black Hawk was conducting a routine training flight. The helicopter operating out of the Dawson Army Airfield was practicing flight routines in case of an evacuation from the American capital.
The collision occurred at around 7:30 PM as both aircraft neared their destinations. As the two aircraft approached collision, both of the aircraft were under visual flight rules and air traffic control instructions to maintain separation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began to investigate this situation.
Many well-renowned figure skaters were involved in the accident. Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, gold medal winners in the 1995/96 ISU Grand Prix Final, were lost in the crash. Many others, including coaches, athletes, and their relatives, were aboard this flight and sadly passed away.
The crash raised many questions concerning the role of air traffic control and the appropriateness of military flight operations in the crowded airspace near the capital. The NTSB’s investigation will focus on whether there were inconsistencies in altitude readings and why the separation procedures, which ensure that aircraft have separate flight paths, were not followed more effectively during the crash.
Following the disaster, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed a review of air traffic procedures and military flight practices. Secretary Duffy has expressed concern about routine military flights in congested airspace, especially around Washington, D.C. To prevent further disasters, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued new restrictions on limiting helicopter flights in the area.
To honor the victims, a benefit event titled Legacy on Ice will be held on March 2nd, 2025, at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. The event will feature performances by America’s top figure skaters, with the proceeds going to the families affected by this disaster.
There is a critical need for improved safety protocols, especially surrounding congested air traffic control. For now, the victims and their families stand at the forefront of national attention as the community braces for the long-term consequences of this terrible disaster.
Sources:
Bedayn, Jesse. “A Timeline of Last Week’s Air Disaster in Washington, the Deadliest in the US since 2001.” AP News, AP News, 5 Feb. 2025, apnews.com/article/plane-helicopter-collision-timeline-washington-crash-c7c6adc6c26d057aebbc6979e0aea3d7.
Shepardson, David. “US Transportation Chief Reconsidering Air Traffic Rules, Talks to Musk | Reuters.” Reuters, 2025, www.reuters.com/world/us/us-transportation-chief-reconsidering-air-traffic-rules-talks-musk-2025-02-05/.
“Top American Skaters to Feature in Benefit for Plane Crash Families | Reuters.” Reuters, 2025, www.reuters.com/world/us/top-american-skaters-feature-benefit-plane-crash-families-2025-02-05/.
