Families of the 67 victims in the deadliest U.S. air disaster since 2001 gathered at the Potomac River crash site on Sunday as divers searched for more remains. Officials have so far recovered and identified 55 victims, with efforts continuing to ensure all are accounted for.
Recovery Mission in Full Force
Washington, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly assured that recovery teams are confident all victims will be found. Divers, braving the chilly waters, are working tirelessly to retrieve remains before lifting the submerged wreckage—a process expected to begin Monday.
Col. Francis B. Pera of the Army Corps of Engineers emphasized the dignified recovery process, stating that human remains take precedence over all other operations. Divers, equipped with high-definition cameras, are meticulously searching the wreckage while coordinating with surface teams.
Crash Details and Investigation
The mid-air collision occurred Wednesday night near Reagan Washington National Airport, involving an American Airlines jet carrying 64 people and an Army Black Hawk helicopter with three crew members. There were no survivors.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now piecing together what led to the tragic event. Investigators revealed conflicting altitude data between the jet and the helicopter, raising questions about potential air traffic control failures. Preliminary findings suggest that just one second before impact, the jet’s pitch changed, possibly indicating an attempted evasive maneuver.
Grieving Families Seek Answers
As part of the investigation, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has questioned air traffic control operations, asking whether staffing shortages or procedural failures contributed to the crash. Reports indicate that a single controller was handling both helicopter and plane traffic at the time—a practice usually divided between two individuals.
Families of the victims are demanding transparency. NTSB member Todd Inman described their emotional meetings, saying, “Some wanted to hug us, some were angry. But all of them just want answers.”
Honoring the Lost Lives
Among those lost in the tragedy were:
- Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara (28, Georgia)
- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves (39, Maryland)
- Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach (North Carolina)
The plane’s passengers included figure skaters returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships and a group of hunters returning from an expedition.
Nation Mourns Amid Broader Aviation Concerns
The crash has reignited concerns over air traffic control staffing issues and airspace congestion around major airports. President Donald Trump’s administration has vowed to address these long-standing concerns, with a renewed focus on hiring and training skilled controllers.
As investigations continue, the NTSB expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days, though a full inquiry may take over a year. Until then, families, officials, and the nation wait for clarity on how such a devastating disaster could have occurred.
