A tragic mid-air collision occurred Wednesday when an American Airlines Bombardier CRJ-701 jet carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members collided with a UH-60 Blackhawk Army helicopter while the jet was approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, resulting in multiple fatalities.
This disaster has drawn comparisons to the 1982 Air Florida flight crash into the same river, which claimed the lives of 78 people.
The Collision: What Happened?
- The crash occurred as the American Airlines CRJ-701 jet was making its final approach to Reagan National Airport.
- The UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter was reportedly on a routine military training flight when the collision happened over the river.
- Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, sparking a massive rescue and recovery operation by local authorities.
The Rarity of Fatal U.S. Air Crashes
Commercial air travel in the U.S. has seen significant improvements in safety over the years, making fatal crashes rare occurrences. The last major U.S. crash involving a commercial plane was in 2009, when a Colgan Air flight went down near Buffalo, New York, killing 50 people.
Deadliest U.S. Plane Crashes Since 1982
Here’s a list of some of the most fatal plane crashes in the U.S. over the past 40 years:
1. Feb. 12, 2009 – Colgan Air Crash (Buffalo, NY)
- Death toll: 50
- A Bombardier DHC-8 propeller plane crashed into a house, killing all 49 onboard and 1 person on the ground.
2. Aug. 27, 2006 – Comair Flight Crash (Lexington, KY)
- Death toll: 49
- The plane took off from the wrong runway and ran off the end before crashing.
3. Nov. 12, 2001 – American Airlines Flight (Belle Harbor, NY)
- Death toll: 260
- The plane crashed into a residential neighborhood shortly after takeoff.
4. Sept. 11, 2001 – 9/11 Terror Attacks
- Death toll: ~3,000
- Four hijacked planes were used in coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and an open field in Pennsylvania.
5. Jan. 31, 2000 – Alaska Airlines Flight (Pacific Ocean)
- Death toll: 88
- The plane crashed into the ocean near Anacapa Island, California.
6. July 17, 1996 – TWA Flight 800 (Atlantic Ocean)
- Death toll: 230
- The plane exploded mid-air and crashed into the ocean near Long Island, New York.
7. May 11, 1996 – ValuJet Flight (Everglades, FL)
- Death toll: 110
- The plane crashed into the Florida Everglades shortly after takeoff due to a fire in the cargo hold.
8. Oct. 31, 1994 – American Eagle Flight (Roselawn, IN)
- Death toll: 68
- Crashed due to icing on the wings.
9. Sept. 8, 1994 – USAir Flight (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Death toll: 132
- Crashed while attempting to land due to mechanical failure.
10. July 19, 1989 – United Airlines Flight 232 (Sioux City, IA)
- Death toll: 111
- Engine failure caused the crash during an emergency landing attempt.
11. Aug. 16, 1987 – Northwest Airlines Flight 255 (Michigan)
- Death toll: 154
- Crashed after takeoff, striking poles and vehicles.
12. Aug. 2, 1985 – Delta Airlines Flight 191 (Dallas, TX)
- Death toll: 137
- Crashed while landing during a thunderstorm.
13. July 9, 1982 – Pan Am Flight (New Orleans, LA)
- Death toll: 153
- Crashed into trees and houses shortly after takeoff.
14. Jan. 13, 1982 – Air Florida Flight (Potomac River)
- Death toll: 74
- Plummeted into the river due to icing and mechanical issues.
Wednesday’s collision is a grim reminder of past aviation tragedies, with many questions still unanswered.
As investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) begin, authorities will be examining the circumstances leading to the collision, the safety protocols followed by both aircraft, and how similar incidents can be prevented.
While modern air travel is considered safer than ever, incidents like these highlight the importance of continuous improvement in aviation safety regulations and technology to minimize future risks.