A midair collision near Reagan National Airport between an American Airlines flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter led to a tragic crash into the Potomac River, sparking a massive search and rescue operation. The American Airlines jet, with 60 passengers and 4 crew members, and the Black Hawk, carrying 3 soldiers, collided during the helicopter’s training flight. The crash resulted in fatalities, and no survivors had been found at the time. Air traffic control audio captured key moments leading to the crash, including a conversation between the controller and helicopter crew, moments before impact. The controller’s response after the collision revealed the severity of the situation, and other pilots reported seeing flares. The incident caused significant disruption at the airport, with flights diverted, and authorities halted operations. Recovery efforts were complicated by the river’s depth, frigid temperatures, and strong currents. Investigations continue into the cause of the crash.