A sudden midair accident near Reagan National Airport initiated a large-scale search and rescue operation in the icy Potomac River.
Recently disclosed air traffic control audio unveils the intense moments before, during, and after the collision, providing crucial insights into this sad event.
Operations at the airport were discontinued until at least 11 a.m. ET Thursday as emergency responders diligently attended to the crash site.
The tragic event involved American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, which departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
The Black Hawk helicopter, carrying three soldiers, was on a training mission when the incident occurred. Experts affirm that the aircraft lay broken in the water with the helicopter close by.
A historical audio recording captured startling details leading to the calamitous crash, highlighting critical events preceding the unfortunate moment. An air traffic controller is heard asking the helicopter crew, “PAT 2-5, do you have the CRJ in sight?”
Moments followed as the controller guided, “PAT 2-5, pass behind the CRJ.” Seconds before the impact, the Black Hawk pilot confirmed eye contact with the aircraft, stating, “PAT 2-5 has aircraft in sight, request visual separation.”
The plane, which plunged into the frozen waters of the Potomac River, resulted in inevitable fatalities, though at the time, no survivors had been located.
