Tragedy Strikes: 67 Lives Lost in Washington Air Collision

Fri Feb 13 2026 01:05:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating midair collision near Washington has resulted in the death of 67 individuals, highlighting critical safety concerns in air traffic control.

In a shocking air disaster on Wednesday evening, an American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River, leading to a recovery operation where over two dozen bodies were retrieved from icy waters. There were no survivors among the 64 passengers aboard the jet, which had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, nor from the three service members in the helicopter. This incident marks the most severe aviation tragedy involving a commercial airliner in the U.S. since 2009.

As reports surfaced, preliminary findings indicated that the air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan National Airport was operating under "not normal" staffing. Typically, two controllers manage helicopter and aircraft traffic, but on this fateful day, one controller was tasked with both roles. Just before the crash, communication revealed that the jet’s pilots were instructed to alter their landing path, further complicating the already difficult circumstances. Among those tragically lost were renowned figure skaters from the U.S. and Russia, who were returning from a training camp following their national championships.

This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for improved air traffic management and safety protocols to prevent such catastrophes in the future.