On Jan. 29, 2025, one year ago today, the United States witnessed its deadliest disaster in over two decades. American Airlines Flight 5342 collided in mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The crash killed all involved: 64 passengers and crew on the regional jet, and three soldiers on the helicopter.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation revealed that the helicopter pilots likely never saw the approaching plane before the collision, meaning the crew had practically no chance to avoid disaster. New simulations show the pilots had limited visibility through their night-vision goggles and investigators determined the helicopter crew was most likely watching a different aircraft entirely when they confirmed visual contact with air traffic control.
Among the victims were returning coaches, skaters and their families from the U.S. National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas. The group included four coaches—all former Soviet and Russian champions, including gold medalists Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, along with young athletes like sisters Everly and Alydia Livingston. Their dreams of competing in the 2030 Winter Olympics ended that night.
Also lost were educators, Lindsey Fields; lawyers, Sarah Best, Elizabeth Keys and Kiah Duggins; union members and travelers from around the world.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy declared the crash was preventable after a year-long investigation.
“We should be angry because for years no one listened,” Homendy said, referring to how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) didn’t act on any spoken concerns.
The investigation exposed systemic failures at multiple agencies that allowed helicopters and planes to share dangerously close airspace for years despite repeated warnings.
Recently, the government admitted to both the FAA and the Army playing a part in causing the collision.
Today, as communities gather for vigils this week, not only those who were lost will be honored, but the promise that their loss will drive meaningful change, making sure no family or friend endures such preventable tragedy again.
