Everyone aboard an American Airlines jet that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter is feared dead

Here’s the English translation of the news article:  

An American Airlines Passenger Plane Collides with a U.S. Military Helicopter; All Onboard Feared Dead

 
Arlington, Virginia (Associated Press) – Officials have announced that all 64 people aboard an American Airlines plane that collided with a U.S. Army helicopter are feared dead. This accident could be the deadliest aviation disaster in the United States in nearly a quarter of a century.

At least 28 bodies have been recovered from the freezing waters of the Potomac River. Authorities say the helicopter entered the flight path just as the jet was approaching for landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. The passenger plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.

John Donnelly, Washington’s fire chief, stated:
"We do not believe there are any survivors. At this point, we have transitioned from a rescue operation to a recovery mission."
 
The wreckage of the plane was found in three overturned sections in shallow waters. Search operations are extending up to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) south of the airport. The remains of the helicopter have also been located.
 
If confirmed that no one survived, this would be the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster since 2001.
 

Cause of the Collision Remains Unknown

 
Weather conditions at the time of the crash were favorable. The plane was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, carrying a group of figure skaters from the U.S. and Russia, along with their coaches and families.
 
Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, said:
 "At the time of impact, the plane was making a routine landing. We currently do not know why the military helicopter entered the flight path."
 
President Donald Trump is expected to make a statement regarding the incident.
 

A Somber Atmosphere at the Airport

 
On Thursday morning, a heavy and sorrowful atmosphere filled Reagan Airport. Passengers wandered anxiously, many gazing at the Potomac River with concern.
 
Aster Andemichael, who was waiting for a flight to Indiana with her elderly father, said:
 "I've been crying since last night. This is heartbreaking. May God give the victims' families strength."
 

Investigations Underway

 
Authorities are reviewing communication logs between the airplane, the helicopter, and air traffic control prior to the collision.
 
Sean Duffy, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, stated:
 "People expect air travel to be safe, but this tragedy shows we still have work to do in ensuring accountability for families and the public."
 
Reagan Airport is scheduled to reopen at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday.
 

Military Confirms Helicopter Took Off from Fort Belvoir

 
The U.S. Army confirmed that the helicopter was a UH-60 Black Hawk and had taken off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia. Military training flights are common in the D.C. area.
 

Final Moments of the Flight

 
According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), American Airlines Flight 5342 was descending at an altitude of approximately 400 feet (122 meters) and a speed of 140 mph (225 km/h) as it approached the airport.
 
In the final moments before impact, air traffic control instructed the helicopter to be aware of the incoming jetliner. Just seconds before the crash, the tower asked the helicopter pilot whether they had visual contact with the descending plane. The controller then advised the helicopter to pass behind the airliner. However, within 30 seconds, the two aircraft collided.
 
The plane’s transponder signal was lost at just 2,400 feet (732 meters) from the runway, indicating that the crash occurred directly over the river.
 

Footage and Reactions

 
Videos captured from the Kennedy Center show two sets of lights—likely from the plane and helicopter—vanishing in a massive explosion.
 
Senator J.D. Vance reacted to the crash on social media, stating:
 "Pray for everyone involved in this tragic accident. We are closely monitoring the situation, but at this moment, all we can do is hope."
 
This horrific incident remains under investigation, and officials are determined to provide answers to the victims' families.
 
 
Would you like any modifications or further refinements?