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N709PS Passenger Plane Collides with Black Hawk Helicopter
On the evening of January 29, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m. EST, American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines under the American Eagle brand, was on approach to Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. The Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet had departed from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The helicopter had three military personnel on board. The collision resulted in the loss of all 64 individuals aboard the passenger jet and three crew members of the Black Hawk Helicopter.
Flight 5342 Remembering Those We Lost
As of February 3, 2025, the following individuals have been publicly identified among the victims of the American Eagle Flight 5342 (Operated by PSA Airlines) Crash Victims mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. More information on the victims can be found in the following fox news article
Flight 5342 Crew Members:
- Captain Jonathan Campos
- First Officer Samuel Lilley, 28 years old
- Flight Attendant Ian Epstein
- Flight Attendant Danasia Elder
Flight 5342 U.S. Figure Skating Mourns the Loss of 28 Community Members
The crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 on January 29, 2025, claimed the lives of 28 members of the figure skating community. These individuals, including young skaters, dedicated coaches, and supportive family members, were returning from a developmental camp with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
“These individuals were incredible athletes, caring and supportive family members, and coaches who worked tirelessly for their athletes,” said Samuel Auxier, interim CEO of U.S. Figure Skating. “They were beloved members of our global skating community, and we mourn their loss together.”
Coaches and Former Champions:
- Evgenia “Zhenya” Shishkova & Vadim Naumov – 1994 World Figure Skating Champions, coaches
- Alexandr “Sasha” Kirsanov – Figure skating coach
- Inna Volyanskaya – Former Soviet pair skater, coach
Young Skaters and Their Families:
- Jinna Han, 16 & Jin Han – Skater & mother
- Spencer Lane, 16 & Molly Lane – Skater & mother
- Brielle Beyer, 12 & Justyna Magdalena Beyer, 42 – Skater & mother
- Everly Livingston, 11 & Alydia Livingston, 13 – Skater & sister
- Donna Smojice Livingston, & husband Peter Livingston – Parents of Everly & Alydia
- Angela Yang 11 & Lily Yang– Skater & Mother
- Sean Kay (11) & Mother Julie Kay (42) – Support Vitali(Husband of Julie) and his children’s gofundme
Additional skating community members were aboard the flight, with U.S. Figure Skating confirming 28 victims (Recognizing the 28 Lost on Flight 5342 – Statement from Samuel Auxier).
Honoring Their Legacy
Skating clubs nationwide will hold moments of silence and tributes. A memorial event on March 2 at Capital One Arena will honor the victims, with proceeds benefiting affected families.
How You Can Help
U.S. Figure Skating has established the Family Support Fund to assist impacted families. Donations will provide counseling, memorial support, and long-term assistance.
To contribute, click here.
These skaters, coaches, and families were more than competitors—they were the heart of the skating community. Their passion and dedication will inspire generations to come.

Crew Members: U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Crash
The department of U.S Army identifies the three crew members of the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the mid-air collision:
- Captain Rebecca M. Lobach: Aviation officer from Durham, North Carolina. Pilot flying and undergoing her annual night evaluation flight.
- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves: 39 years old, from Great Mills, Maryland. Evaluator for Captain Lobach and pilot monitoring during the flight.
- Staff Sergeant Ryan Austin O’Hara: 28 years old, from Lilburn, Georgia. Crew chief on the Black Hawk helicopter.
Flight 5342 Remembering the Passangers
We will continue to update this list as more names become publicly available, honoring each individual and the impact they had on our community. Our goal is to remember their lives, support their families, and highlight opportunities to contribute to fundraisers and programs that provide assistance to those affected.
- Bob and Lori Schrock – Kansas residents
- Lindsay Fields – President-elect of the National Association of Biology Teachers, See Kansas Obituary
Remembrance: Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families and friends as families of victims of the deadliest U.S. air disaster since 2001 visited the crash site Sunday, along the banks of the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport.
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) February 3, 2025
Dozens walked along the banks of… pic.twitter.com/SbRilHZj0R
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
N709PS Recovery Efforts After the Crash
Following the mid-air collision, both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River, prompting a swift emergency response. The Metropolitan Police Department and DC Fire and EMS immediately launched search and rescue operations, deploying fireboats and dive teams to the crash site.
The impact caused the plane to break into multiple pieces, now resting in approximately 5 to 8 feet of water. Divers have gained some access to the aircraft’s cabin and have begun recovering items, including luggage. Additionally, a dive team located one of the aircraft’s two black boxes, though it remains unclear whether it is the cockpit voice recorder or the flight data recorder.
The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, while upside down in the water, appears to be mostly intact. Recovery efforts are ongoing as authorities work to retrieve all debris and further investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
N709PS Media Breifings & Statments
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation and referred to the crash as a “terrible accident,” expressing gratitude to emergency responders.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was sworn in just hours before the incident, has been actively coordinating the federal response to the mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. He has instructed the Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide full support to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other agencies involved in the response. Secretary Duffy has also communicated with Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, and NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy to offer the department’s complete assistance. He expressed gratitude to all first responders conducting search and rescue operations.
NTSB Live Media Briefings: Flight PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 & Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter collision
NTSB Media Briefing 3 - February 1, 2025
February 1, 2025: NTSB briefs the media on the investigation of the January 29 mid-air collision involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 airplane and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Summary of the NTSB Press Briefing on Aviation Accident
- The briefing is led by Todd Inman (NTSB Board Member) and Bryce Banning (Investigator in Charge).
- Condolences were extended to the families of 67 victims in the accident, as well as to those affected by another recent crash in Philadelphia.
- The NTSB reaffirmed its commitment to determining the causes of these accidents and preventing future occurrences.
Key Statistics and NTSB Investigation Process
- 12888 investigations conducted last year, with 124 in aviation.
- 1,145 open investigations in aviation currently.
- 343 fatalities recorded across all transportation modes last year.
- 283 aviation-related recommendations still pending implementation.
- The NTSB team handling the current investigation has over 350 years of collective experience.
Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)
- Both recorders from the aircraft involved were recovered by an FBI dive team and analyzed at the NTSB lab.
- The FDR contained 400 parameters and was successfully downloaded.
- The CVR recorded 2 hours and 4 minutes of audio, capturing communications and alerts before the crash.
- The accident sequence and timing are being analyzed using ADSB and FDR time synchronization.
Key Timeline of Events
- 8:15 PM, the aircraft descended from 37,000 feet.
- 8:39 PM: The aircraft was cleared for a Mount Vernon visual approach to Runway 1.
- 8:43 PM: The DCA Tower requested a switch to Runway 33, which was accepted by the crew.
- 8:46 PM: Automated altitude callouts and air traffic warnings were heard.
- 8:47 PM: The tower directed the aircraft to pass behind a CRJ at 1,200 ft.
- 8:48 PM: Approximately collision occurred, with impact sounds being recorded one second before the end of the CVR.
Air Traffic Control and Radar Data
- 5 controllers were present at the DCA tower at the time of the accident.
- NTSB investigating possible communication limitations between aircraft due to separate UHF and VHF frequencies.
- Radar data showed the CRJ at 325 feet (+/- 25 feet) at impact.
- Tower radar indicated the Blackhawk helicopter at 200 feet, but further verification is needed.
- The NTSB is investigating possible discrepancies between real-time aircraft altitudes and radar readings.
Possible Factors in the Crash
- Communication Conflicts:
- Military aircraft (Blackhawk) operated on UHF, while civilian aircraft used VHF.
- This prevented direct communication between the two aircraft.
- Runway Change Request:
- The crew was asked to switch from Runway 1 to Runway 33 minutes before impact.
- NTSB considers this a routine occurrence, but it is being examined.
- Night Vision Goggles:
- Blackhawk pilots were on a training mission using night vision goggles.
- NTSB investigating whether goggles were actively used and their effect on situational awareness.
Final Notes
- The NTSB emphasized the need for urgent safety improvements.
- Investigators continue to analyze altitude discrepancies, radio communication issues, and procedural adherence.
- A final report will confirm key findings and recommend safety changes.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more data becomes available.
NTSB Media Briefing 2 - January 31, 2025:
January 31, 2025: NTSB briefs the media on the investigation of the January 29 mid-air collision involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 airplane and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Summary of the NTSB Press Briefing on Aviation Accident
- Todd Inman, NTSB Board Member, provides an update on the investigation.
- The NTSB expresses condolences to the families of the victims.
- The primary mission:
- Determine the probable cause of the accident.
- Provide safety recommendations to prevent future incidents.
Key Investigation Updates
Collaboration and Support
- Multiple local, state, and federal agencies are involved, including:
- Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, Arlington County Fire, Virginia State Police.
- U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, FBI, Secret Service, and FAA.
- Over 100 family members of victims are in the area receiving briefings and support.
NTSB Team and Technical Experts
- A Blackhawk-certified pilot has been brought in to assist due to the military involvement in the accident.
- The NTSB is conducting a joint investigation with the Department of Defense (DOD).
- Full NTSB staff is now on-site.
Salvage and Wreckage Recovery
- The Navy Supervisor of Salvage is leading the recovery operations.
- Barges are en route from Virginia Beach for major debris retrieval.
- A debris mapping operation is underway to aid in the investigation.
- There are two primary debris fields:
- Sikorsky Helicopter (smaller debris area).
- CRJ Aircraft (larger debris area).
- Large portions of the wreckage are intact, which will aid in analysis and reconstruction.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Investigation
- Interviews with ATC personnel are ongoing.
- Full cooperation from ATC officials has been received.
- The NTSB is analyzing ATC radar data to determine:
- Potential miscommunication.
- Possible separation conflicts between the aircraft.
- The NTSB warns against speculation based on online ATC recordings, as official data is more accurate.
Flight Recorders (Black Boxes)
- CRJ Aircraft:
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR) has been recovered and is in good condition.
- Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) suffered water intrusion but is being carefully extracted and dried.
- Both recorders expected to yield critical data.
- Sikorsky Helicopter:
- Single combined FDR and CVR unit recovered.
- No exterior damage observed, high chance of full data recovery.
Potential Causes and Safety Measures
- Mid-air Collision Analysis:
- The “Swiss Cheese Model” of aviation safety was breached, meaning multiple failures led to the accident.
- Aviation remains one of the safest forms of transportation due to layers of redundancy.
- More safety recommendations will be issued following the investigation.
- Deconflicting Military and Civilian Airspace?
- While the NTSB does not speculate, changes in airspace management may be proposed based on findings.
Timeline of Next Steps
- Debris recovery expected to start in full force by Sunday.
- Black box data synchronization and analysis ongoing.
- Further interviews with ATC personnel and flight operators will continue.
- Final report and recommendations may take months to complete.
Final NTSB Notes
- The NTSB remains committed to finding the facts and preventing future tragedies.
- Independent, bipartisan investigation with no external influence.
- Pressing for the adoption of safety recommendations to prevent similar accidents.
NTSB Media Briefing 1 - January 30, 2025
January 30, 2025: NTSB briefs the media on the investigation of the January 29 mid-air collision involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 airplane and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Summary of the NTSB Press Briefing on Aviation Accident
- Jennifer Homendy, Chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), opens the briefing.
- The NTSB is an independent federal agency tasked with investigating civil aviation accidents and other significant transportation incidents.
- Expresses deep condolences to the victims’ families.
Key Points on the Investigation
NTSB Investigation and Government Support
- Investigation is in its early stages; no cause has been determined yet.
- The entire NTSB board and a team of nearly 50 personnel are involved.
- The White House, FAA, and Department of Transportation have been briefed.
- A joint government effort is underway, with local, state, and federal agencies assisting.
Scene and Recovery Operations
- First responders prioritized search and rescue operations before the NTSB could begin on-site investigation.
- Navy Supervisor of Salvage leading wreckage recovery with barges in transit for large debris removal.
- A family assistance center has been set up for victims’ relatives.
Technical Investigation Details
Parties Involved
- Airlines & Aviation Authorities: PSA Airlines, FAA, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
- Aircraft Manufacturers: GE Aerospace, Sikorsky (helicopter manufacturer).
- Unions & Aviation Groups: ALPA (Airline Pilots Association), NATCA (Air Traffic Controllers Association).
Working Groups Established
- Operations Group – Examining flight history, crew actions, and pre-crash events.
- Structures Group – Analyzing wreckage and impact angles.
- Powerplants Group – Assessing engine and mechanical components.
- Systems Group – Reviewing hydraulics, avionics, and instrumentation.
- Air Traffic Control Group – Investigating radar data and pilot communications.
- Survival Factors Group – Examining emergency procedures and crash survivability.
- Helicopter Group – Due to the involvement of a military Sikorsky helicopter.
- Human Performance Group – Evaluating fatigue, training, and external factors affecting crew performance.
Flight Data Recorders (Black Boxes)
- CRJ Aircraft & Sikorsky Helicopter equipped with recorders.
- None have been recovered yet but are believed to be intact underwater.
- Water recovery procedures are in place, and the NTSB is confident in retrieving usable data.
Challenges & Unanswered Questions
- Cause of the Crash:
- NTSB will not speculate until factual analysis is complete.
- Possibility of human error, mechanical failure, or ATC miscommunication is being evaluated.
- Altitude of Helicopter at Impact:
- Investigators are analyzing ATC radar logs and flight data.
- Air Traffic Control Staffing Issues:
- Reports suggest a controller may have been handling multiple tasks, under review.
- Emergency Procedures:
- No evidence yet that passengers used emergency slides or escaped into the water.
Next Steps & Timeline
- Black box retrieval expected soon.
- Debris mapping and analysis ongoing.
- Family briefings and support continue.
- Preliminary report expected within 30 days.
- A final report could take months but will include safety recommendations.
Conclusion
- The NTSB remains independent and focused on factual analysis.
- The goal is to prevent similar accidents in the future.
- More updates will be provided as information becomes available.
N709PS Crash Details
As of January 29, 2025, the following information is available regarding the mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
Incident Overview:
Date and Time: The collision occurred on January 29, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Location: The incident took place near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, over the Potomac River.
Aircraft Involved:
American Eagle Flight 5342:
- Aircraft Type: Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet.
- Operator: PSA Airlines, operating under the American Eagle brand.
- Registration: N709PS.
- Origin: Departed from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, Kansas.
- Destination: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
- Occupants: The aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members, totaling 64 individuals.
U.S. Army Helicopter:
- Aircraft Type: Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
- Operator: United States Army.
- Callsign: PAT25
- Occupants: The helicopter was carrying 3 military personnel.
Sequence of Events:
While on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, the CRJ700 collided mid-air with the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Following the collision, both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.
Emergency Response:
Multiple agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department and DC Fire and EMS, initiated a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River. Fireboats were deployed to the scene.
All takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport were temporarily halted to facilitate the emergency response.
Casualties:
Authorities have reported that there are no survivors from the collision.
As of the latest reports, 28 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River.
Notable Victims:
Among the deceased are former world champion figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were returning from a National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas.
Additionally, skaters Jinna Han and Spencer Lane, along with two of their parents, were also among the victims.
Investigation:
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the incident, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Army.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also assisting in the response, though there are no indications of terrorism or criminal activity.
Official Responses:
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation and referred to the crash as a “terrible accident,” expressing gratitude to emergency responders.
Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have stated that they are monitoring the incident.
Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas confirmed that the passenger plane was carrying approximately 60 individuals and collided with a military helicopter.
Please note that this is an ongoing situation, and information may change as more details become available.
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Tragic news out of DCA as we learn more about the devastating plane crash. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking event.#planecrash #aviation pic.twitter.com/e1NtEUYUW0
— Ramos Law - Aviation (@Ramos_Aviation) January 30, 2025
Experts in Aviation Law
- Pilot Certificate Defense
- FAA Medical Denial
- Aircraft Crashes
- FAA DUI Reporting
- Civil Penalties
- NTSB Appeals
- And More!
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Aviation accidents are complex and devastating. If you or a loved one has been affected, our experienced aviation attorneys are here to help. Contact Ramos Law today for a free consultation.