DCA Surveillance Captures Clear Footage of Fatal Midair Collision

The tragic crash involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk Army helicopter claimed the lives of all 67 people on board.

WASHINGTON D.C. — Newly released surveillance footage from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport provided the clearest images yet of Wednesday night's deadly midair collision over the Potomac River. The footage, which was first aired by CNN and later verified by NBC News, offers a chilling view of the catastrophic event.

The clips, lasting 12 and 17 seconds, show American Airlines Flight 5342 descending toward DCA when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter enters the frame from the left. Moments later, the helicopter appears to strike the underside of the plane, causing a massive fireball that sent both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River below.

The footage, believed to have been captured by a cell phone, was not released by airport officials. While the exact circumstances of how the collision occurred are still under investigation, the visual evidence offers a stark look at the tragic incident.

All 60 passengers and four crew members aboard American Eagle Flight 5342, along with three Army personnel on the Black Hawk helicopter, are confirmed to have perished in the crash.

Investigators have recovered the black boxes from the American Eagle flight, which contain valuable data and cockpit communications that may help explain the chain of events leading to the crash, according to NBC News.

Flight 5342, which was traveling from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying a group of figure skaters, coaches, and parents. The group had been attending the U.S. national championships over the weekend, and several young athletes, earmarked as the next generation of elite U.S. skaters, stayed behind for a development camp before departing on Wednesday.

The tragic loss has left the skating community mourning, as officials continue to piece together how the deadly collision unfolded.