"I just saw a fireball” - Air Traffic control Audio reveals frantic call after helicopter and plane crashed into Potomac river

An unfortunate plane crash on Wednesday night, when an American Airlines regional jet, operated by PSA, collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, around 9 p.m. local time, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet was inboundapproached to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport. As it approached the runway, it clashed with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. After the collision, the plane crashed into the Potomac River.

After the plane crash, an Air Traffic control audio has surfaced on the internet, which captures the chilling details of the incident.

“Fire Command, the accident happened in the river. Both – the helicopter and the plane – crashed in the river, east of the approach to Runway 33.”

The ATC audio further added,

“It was probably out in the middle of the river. I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven't seen anything since they hit the river. But it was a CRJ and a helicopter that hit. I would say maybe a half mile off the approach into 33.”

The audio speculated an error while approaching Runway 33, but the FAA and NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) are currently investigating the plane crash. After the accident, another ATC recording emerged that depicts the situation moments before the crash.

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Another recording captures Air Traffic controllers moments before the plane crash

Another ATC recording presents the situation from the tower, moments before a collision happened between a plane and a helicopter over the Potomac River. In the audio, a controller is heard communicating with the Black Hawk helicopter seconds before the disaster. The controller is heard asking,

“PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?”

The controller again asks,

“PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.”

However, ATC tower didn’t receive any response from the helicopter, as a clash happened midair moments later. As the helicopter and the plane crash into the river, the controller is heard diverting the air traffic. After the collision occurred, the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority CEO Potter closed Reagan Washington National Airport until 11:00 am on January 30, 2025.

For those unaware, the collision happened around 09:00 pm local time on January 29, 2025. There were 60 passengers and four crew members onboard the PSA Airlines’ regional flight that was operating for American Airlines. According to the FAA, the flight departed from Wichita, Kansas. At the same time, the Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three people.

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After the plane crash, Mayor Muriel Bowser held a press conference at 12:30 am, briefing about the situation. She also posted a message for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives due to the tragic incident,

“Tonight, as our first responders continue their efforts, we are sending our love and prayers to the families, loved ones, and communities who are experiencing loss during this terrible tragedy. We will provide our next briefing at 7:30AM at DCA. It will be live on this account.”

President Donald Trump also took to his Truth Social platform to write,

“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”

In a separate post, he added,

“What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!”

After sharing his personal takes on Truth Social, Trump also issued an official statement through the White House press, sending prayers for those impacted. He also thanked the first responders and assured them that he was “monitoring” the situation.

Reportedly, more than 300 first responders were involved in the rescue efforts at the crash site. As of this writing, 19 bodies have been recovered from the river, as reported by BBC.