Reagan Airport was the scene of a tragic accident when a CRJ passenger plane collided with a military helicopter, causing both aircraft to crash into the Potomac River. Air traffic controllers recorded the final conversation with the pilots just before the impact, asking the helicopter crew if they could see the passenger plane on the horizon. They then repeated the warning, stating that the helicopter had passed behind the plane. Moments later, gasping sounds and a loud “Oh” were heard in the background, presumably from the control tower at the moment of collision.
Following the crash, controllers informed a nearby pilot that a collision had occurred at the end of runway 33, and they decided to suspend all flight operations indefinitely. Another pilot reported seeing a burst of flames on the other side of the Potomac River, while an approach controller later confirmed that both aircraft had crashed into the river and that search and rescue operations were underway.
American Athletes on Board the Doomed Plane
The newspaper “Wichita Eagle” reported that several coaches and figure skaters from the U.S. National Figure Skating Team were aboard the crashed plane. According to the report, these athletes were part of the National Development Program, a training initiative for elite young skaters, who had participated in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in Wichita from January 20 to 26. Some had remained until January 28 to attend an advanced training camp.
According to American figure skater John Maravilla, at least 14 figure skaters were on board the plane. Fellow skater Luke Wang confirmed that coaches and skaters were among the passengers. The newspaper “The Kansas City Star” also reported that the U.S. Figure Skating Association had notified Wang and others about the crash via text message.
A National Tragedy and an Ongoing Rescue Operation
As search and rescue operations continue, authorities are investigating the causes and impact of the accident, especially given the significant human losses, including athletes and coaches who were on their way to Washington.
Read more on this link:: https://www.elhodh.info/en/al-hawd-news-2/
