A devastating midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night has sent shockwaves through the nation, as American Eagle Flight 5342 and a military Sikorsky H-60 helicopter collided over the Potomac River. The crash has resulted in a massive emergency response, ongoing search and rescue operations, and deep sorrow within the figure skating community, as multiple skaters, coaches, and their families were among the passengers.
The Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, operated by PSA Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, was en route from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) when tragedy struck during its approach to Runway 33. The impact led to an immediate suspension of all air traffic at Reagan National Airport, prompting swift emergency action.
Authorities received the first distress call regarding the collision at 8:48 p.m. ET, with the first emergency responders arriving at 8:58 p.m. ET. Over 300 first responders, including rescue divers and specialized recovery teams, were deployed to the scene to search for survivors and recover victims from the wreckage. Reports indicate that divers discovered multiple passengers still strapped into their seats underwater, highlighting the catastrophic nature of the accident.
As of now, at least 19 fatalities have been confirmed, with rescue efforts continuing through the night. The full passenger list has not yet been released by American Airlines, but sources within the figure skating community have verified that several U.S. National Development Team skaters were onboard, returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Among those confirmed to be on the flight are:
- Spencer Lane
- Jinna Han
- Eddie Zhou
- Everly Livingston
- Lydia Livingston
- Franco Aparicio
- Sean Kay
- Angela Yang
- Vadim Naumov
- Evgenia Shishkova
- Inna Volyanskaya
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the FBI’s Washington Field Office. At this time, officials have not found any indications of criminal or terrorist activity linked to the accident. Investigators are focused on analyzing flight data, air traffic control communications, weather conditions, and mechanical factors to determine the cause of the collision. There has been no confirmation yet on whether either aircraft issued distress signals prior to impact.
In response to the tragedy, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed the airline’s deep sorrow and confirmed its full cooperation with investigators. Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a statement offering condolences to the victims’ families and urging the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time.
The loss of so many young skaters, their coaches, and their families has left the U.S. figure skating community in mourning. Friends, teammates, and fellow athletes have taken to social media, expressing heartbreak and offering prayers for survivors. The national skating community is reeling from the devastating news, as many of the skaters onboard had promising careers ahead of them.
The tragedy extends beyond the skating world, touching the lives of families and loved ones who have lost dear ones. Journalist Bill Melugin shared the heart-wrenching story of a close friend who lost his wife in the crash, leaving behind two young children, ages 3 and 1. He described the agonizing uncertainty faced by the victims’ families, as conflicting survivor reports continue to emerge.
As search and rescue operations press on, officials urge the public to avoid speculation and await confirmed updates from authorities. The nation watches with heavy hearts as the investigation unfolds, hoping for answers while mourning the lives lost in this tragic midair collision.
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