Passenger jet collides with US Army Black Hawk: LIVE UPDATES

The crash appears to be a “terrible accident” caused by human error, former helicopter pilot Paul Beaver told Sky News.

“Air traffic control can only advise” while the pilot is responsible, he said, explaining that the plane was committed to its final approach and had the right of way. The helicopter should have taken “avoiding action.”

Beaver, who is familiar with the Potomac airspace, called it “difficult.”

The passenger jet’s pilots may not have seen the helicopter, according to CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave. He said the American Eagle plane was only “a few hundred feet off the ground” when it collided with the US Army helicopter.

“It was very close to touching down,” Van Cleave said. “It was in the final steps of its final approach… It is possible, depending upon where the two aircraft struck, that the pilots of the airplane never even saw the helicopter coming.”

The US Army and Defense Department have opened an investigation into the crash. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was sworn in just days ago, has said a probe has already begun. “Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls and their families,” he posted on X.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that Russian figure skaters were on board the passenger plane that collided with a US Army helicopter.
“Unfortunately, we see that this tragic information is being confirmed,” Peskov said, adding that there were also other Russian nationals among passengers.

“Sad news from Washington today. We regretfully extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of our fellow citizens who were lost in this plane crash.”

CNN reporter Gabe Cohen, working at the scene, described emergency crews’ mood as somber, noting that rescue efforts were shifting toward recovery.
“I spoke with a law enforcement source just a few minutes ago,” Cohen said. “He told me that there’s a really somber mood, even at the rescue scene. It feels – certainly not officially – but that we’re sort of moving from that ‘search-and-rescue operation’ into a recovery effort. They have pulled several bodies out. There are fatalities confirmed at the scene. And now we’re just waiting for answers.”

Search-and-rescue crews have recovered bodies from the crash, NBC has reported, citing two sources. Officials have not yet confirmed the number of casualties.

It is unlikely anyone has survived, Tim Atkinson, a former senior inspector for the UK Airline Accident Investigation Branch, has told Sky News. According to him, the crash likely exceeded human tolerance levels.

“The moment of collision, in which clearly a lot of energy is expended from the visuals there... and, unfortunately, the first element required for survivable is that the actual ultimate forces experienced by those on board an aircraft or in a vehicle, have to be within human tolerance,” Atkinson said.

“And my suspicion is very strongly that, in the impact with the water, the forces there were simply beyond human tolerance,” he added.

Renowned Russian figure skating world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, a married couple, who won the pair event in 1994, were on the plane, TASS news agency has reported, citing an unnamed source.

Several US figure skaters and coaches were reportedly on board the plane that crashed while traveling from Wichita to Washington, DC, according to the Kansas City Star, which cited US pair skater Luke Wang.

They were returning from the US Figure Skating Championships, which took place in Wichita on January 20-26, with some athletes remaining in the city until January 28.

Several Russian figure skaters and former Russian coaches were also believed to be on board, according to sports agent Ari Zakaryan, who spoke to Russian broadcaster Match TV.

Zakaryan confirmed that Russian nationals were among the passengers but refrained from naming individuals, stating, “We are still finding out, I can’t say much. But we know our people were there. You’ll see everything soon.”

US officials have not confirmed any deaths while speaking to reporters at Reagan National Airport, according to AFP.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has declined to say whether any bodies have been recovered, or comment on the submerged aircraft’s condition.

When asked about survivors, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly said: “We don’t know yet. But we’re working.”

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran called the crash “a very personal circumstance” for Kansans, saying many will know those on board and their families.

He has pledged support for the rescue effort and vowed to keep Congress engaged in the investigation.