Plane, Black Hawk helicopter crash into Potomac River after colliding

Rachel Maddow reports breaking news of an aircraft in the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport following reports of a mid-air collision with emergency first responders arriving on a scene complicated by ice and frigid temperatures. NBC News senior correspondent Tom Costello joins coverage.
» Subscribe to MSNBC: / msnbc
» Subscribe to MSNBC on TikTok / msnbc
» Subscribe to MSNBC on Instagram / msnbc
Download our new MSNBC app for the latest breaking news and daily headlines at a glance: www.msnbc.com/...
Follow MSNBC Show Blogs
MaddowBlog: www.msnbc.com/...
ReidOut Blog: www.msnbc.com/...
MSNBC delivers breaking news, in-depth analysis of politics headlines, as well as commentary and informed perspectives. Find video clips and segments from The Rachel Maddow Show, Morning Joe, The Beat with Ari Melber, Deadline: White House, The ReidOut, All In, Last Word, 11th Hour, and Alex Wagner who brings her breadth of reporting experience to MSNBC primetime. Watch “Alex Wagner Tonight” Tuesday through Friday at 9pm Eastern.
Connect with MSNBC Online
Visit msnbc.com: www.msnbc.com/
Subscribe to the MSNBC Daily Newsletter: link.msnbc.com...
#ReaganNationalAirport #PotomacRiver #planecrash

[@user-rr9lv9ll4x]

This is awful. Condolences to all families and friends of those lost. Will be praying for everyone.

[@Not-a-GSD]

@@user-rr9lv9ll4x You can thank Trump for that. It was a military aircraft and lack of proper air traffic control that caused this accident.

[@Mr.White10-65]

@@Not-a-GSD You are stupid and don't forget it!

[@MaryBarlow-f2g]

​@@Not-a-GSDa Biden DEI hire is to blame.

[@the_red_caps_are_coming]

So is everything else. Where can I donate my thoughts, prayers, and water?

[@tallyholightguy5353]

This is Trumps fault, last week Trump FIRED the heads of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Coast Guard, and disbanded the Aviation Security Advisory Committee.

[@stevegodwin6416]

An airliner crash is bad enough. Crashing into a freezing river in the dark is terrifying and horrible. 60 passengers and 4 crew on board the AA flight. Let's hope there are survivors and that responders can get to them in time.

[@FinkPloyd504]

The landing area might be a blessing in disguise, if it crashed on land then there would likely be no survivors.

[@iamjackscompletelackofsurp9606]

Watch the rescue footage of the 1982 crash! Its incredible

[@TheEDFLegacy]

We can hope, but it's highly, highly unlikely, unfortunately. 😢 The Hudson River landing was only successful because it was a controlled landing into water, whereas this is likely uncontrolled at much higher speed, and even if there are survivors, it is absolutely freezing right now. Even at takeoff speed most airliners are flying above double interstate speeds.

[@ChristopherbiggsWA]

All souls lost

[@acruzro95]

​@FinkPloyd504 not necessarily. Most plane crash survivors for commercial aircraft survive when they land in the land. Remember people are strapped to their seats and have like 30 seconds to react. Unless the plane didn't sink is very easy to be stuck under water at a bunch meters deep. You cough or scream or inhale some of that water and you are pretty much done

[@SquashBlossom62]

They only have minutes if they're in that icy water.😢 I hope there are miracles happening tonight. My heart is with those people and their families.😢💔

[@sierraao1171]

4 survivors. 12 bodys.

[@gen_z_hippichikk]

Actually you have less time if the water is warmer. People can be revived from cold shock for quite a while, so don't give up if someone is stuck in cold water 👍

[@Pierre-wm3xs]

Oh if they survived the crash there's little chance anyone would survive in that water Especially at night. Especially if there's ice in the water

[@coleengoodell7523]

Amen

[@tenapappan4031]

The only good about the cold water if bleeding it will slow it down.

[@kjmav10135]

So tragic. I cannot imagine the terror. My heart goes out to all involved.

[@thanos8914]

As someone who was literally under the World Trade Center when the first plane hit. I definitely can imagine

[@kjmav10135]

@ Oh my god. I am glad you lived through that, but, wow. Abject fear. 😧

[@drkoko9604]

not to mention toddlers & babies could be on that flight , this soooo heartbreaking !!!!

[@Briman2052]

@@thanos8914 Did you see the plane or just the aftermath

[@MLBrooks-g3u]

It was very sudden and fast. They probably never knew what hit them. At least I hope they didn't.

[@jenk264]

We have a former reality star as head of the FAA. That's encouraging.

[@tamiflo]

Thank goodness my husband retired from the FAA a couple years ago .. prayers for all involved 🙏 ❤

[@firequeen2194]

Ikr? 😢

[@Bob-h3n]

And a drunk in charge of the Pentagon.

[@jamesclaytonbowman5977]

well, I would guess that most FAA employees haven't had time to evaluate whether or not to take the offered Trump buyout, but once that Deep State Purge gets momentum... I'm sure the "Loyalty Trumps Experience" movement will pay great dividends.

[@ImRonBurgandy]

Only calling Predator Pete a drunk is lcomplimenting him

[@lostthedog]

"Oh.. let's cut funding for everything immediately " what could go wrong?

[@StephenLeon-kl2fw]

The chopper's spotlight was aiming down looking for brown skinned people; it spotted one but flew right into a passenger jet..

[@micheleconner5083]

This will be interesting. Hegseth gets to make his first public statement, after 47 dictates what he wants said.

[@glennabaugh856]

Same when he did it with trains.

[@xdani_thethinkingneko]

Exactly!! He fired the head of the TSA, Coast Guard, gutted an important Aviation safety advisory. It is so frustrating, how us on the left, tried to warn people and they called us fear mongers....the consequences of ignoring truth, and choosing hatred, are playing out right in front of us, in every sector.

[@xdani_thethinkingneko]

​​@@glennabaugh856 as well as with food. Last time he rolled back oversight for meat processing plants, and allowed them to do their own oversight....and it has contributed to all the listeria outbreaks in food.

[@SaskiaEst]

A blackhawk? On the flight path? That seems extremely odd.

[@Bob-h3n]

I thought Hegseth said he would stop drinking?

[@waleed8530]

@@Bob-h3n Can you name any ASEAN country?

[@janejones8672]

DC has several Black Hawk Helicopters monitoring DC 24/7

[@JoBlack-dg6ey]

It's nuts

[@vtbmpskier5400]

It looks like that helicopter was just sitting there stationary. You would have thought it would have seen that incoming AA flight. Very odd

[@Syl839]

OMG, those poor people, in that cold water!

[@katjay3125]

Yup..frigid air and water temps

[@davidwilkins5932]

From the looks of that collision, it’s doubtful that anybody felt anything for very long.

[@firewurx]

@@davidwilkins5932 ... my guess is that they did not die on impact. They likely drowned in a pitch black steel tube on the bottom of the river.

[@broncosblud]

@@firewurx some people just tell it how it is!

[@BLOXKAFELLARECORDS]

Burrrrrrr

[@J.Cameron.Stuart.Adams.]

Oh..... how tragic. Im so sorry for all those affected. Seriously tragic.

[@brightstarsunshine5301]

That Helicopter flew right into the plane! WTH... prayers for all on that plane! Thank you responders 😢

[@rockdots69]

It definitely looked like it flew right into it... my first thought 😮... terrible tragedy... 🙏 😢

[@vena936]

I'm wondering if it was internally or suicidal?

[@KChelseaVenus]

​@@vena936 who that is very important in politics was on that plane? That's the question.

[@mrtaxi204]

​@@vena936it was a drunken pete hegseth taking a DoD blackhawk for joy ride

[@JanBateman-t3d]

I felt that to. It looked literal!

[@NicolasMendoula]

This year is exhausting

[@SiriusLee_Speaking]

... and it's still January 😢

[@IIRealize]

🥈

[@howtoguidesamharic5071]

Sad!

[@bettireagan]

Ten days in. Every day is worse than the one before.

[@dudeinc6291]

You should see 2026

[@BBBarbarian-u5q]

Last week trump gutted aviation safety - fires heads of TSA, coast guard and guts key aviation safety advisory committee! Blood on his hands

[@GeorgeFeehly-w3u]

Hate to the bitter end

[@samuelhutchison8433]

Only a matter of time before Trump gets the blame.

[@jeromebullard6123]

ORANGE MAN BAD!!!!

[@draizinho5]

​@samuelhutchison8433 have you seen all of the DEI Hire comments ?? Trust me, everyone is playing the irrational blame game

[@CPAndy-x5x]

​@@draizinho5There are no "DEI hires" left. They were purged. They can't be blamed.

[@reason6835]

Why was a helicopter in the approach path? That definitely shouldn’t happen.

[@pattilynnwahlsimmons]

Military helicopters are always in this area.

[@reason6835]

@@pattilynnwahlsimmons: Not flying through the approach path where planes are on short final. ATC has to clear them for that. Someone messed up BIGTIME.

[@whiskeymonk4085]

Vasaviation has a good channel which will put out a vid of the radio comes between the tower and the passenger plane in a few days.

[@julesnagbunga1204]

​@@reason6835Once again, you are making assumptions.

[@RICO_SUAVE21]

@@pattilynnwahlsimmonsthere are never any helicopters of any kind allowed to fly in the landing or takeoff flight path of a commercial airport. This is major screwup.

[@deborahhovan6464]

Oh no, praying for all involved and the amazing first responders! 🙏🙏🙏😢😢😢😢

[@tomarmstrong4761]

My late uncle was an air traffic controller at the Leesburg VA center. From what little he told me about his work, the 'trollers are deeply traumatized when stuff like this happens in their airspace, and I respect that. I grieve for the victims and their loved ones, even the survivors. This is just awful.

[@Sanzen]

Last week, Trump fired the head of the TSA and disbanded the ASAC. Probably a coincidence.

[@SchoolforHackers]

There are no coincidences.

[@conniemcfalls4357]

So who was the VIP on the helicopter?

[@neilkurzman4907]

@@conniemcfalls4357 The crew of a Blackhawk is three. So there was no passenger

[@blackcat-sv5rj]

​@@conniemcfalls4357take the seat my man

[@conniemcfalls4357]

@@neilkurzman4907 ty

[@kcandline]

Ummmm... The Bombardier didn't close with the Silorsky ... It was the other way around. That airliner was on final approach. The helicopter has no place being there

[@marky4x429]

Pentagon will claim that Bombardier suddenly flew backwards and hit the helicopter. Signed by Pete H. And anybody talking against that will be threatened by Elon M.

[@margaretbellefountaine9472]

Orders from Pete hegsworth

[@erichorton9621]

@@margaretbellefountaine9472 just stop with the blaming game Karen

[@jamesnichols5163]

@@kcandline helo was told to maintain visual seperation and didn’t, idk why they lost sight, they confirmed they had the crj insight around 15secs prior, although why visual seperation is allowed at such a busy airport idk

[@alaingadbois2276]

⁠@@jamesnichols5163Maybe they had a different jet in sight, did not see the closer one.

[@kathymanthey2062]

If it was the helicopter that ran into the plane I don't know how they didn't see the plane in time to avoid it.

[@librarylu]

They may have had the wrong plane on visual. The tower was understaffed.

[@Puffywolf]

@@kathymanthey2062 helicopter did see plane audio from tower

[@ColleenMarie321]

How awful! I fly into DCA a lot. I pray they find some survivors. Sending prayers to all on the aircrafts and their families! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@suzdeangelo2314]

Why the frig was a Black Hawk in the line of a passenger jet? What is going on?

[@julesnagbunga1204]

You're making assumptions!

[@PaulFormentos]

Order out of Chaos......

[@PaganoKharmatran-q3u]

​@@julesnagbunga1204they literally said it was a Blackhawk

[@gardy4390]

The new DEFENSE secretary has a lot of questions to answer.

[@aubrey1633]

​@@gardy4390he's probably drunk.

[@Lurch-Bot]

You can expect a lot more incidents like this with Mr. Hatchet Man in office. Deregulation is the last thing you want if you want flying to be safe.

[@JoBlack-dg6ey]

Needs to fund proper training for military pilots

[@checkoutmyyoutubepage]

@@JoBlack-dg6eythe military has a inflated budget.

[@MyHighHorse]

Even worse is dei hires

[@checkoutmyyoutubepage]

@ do you even know what that is?

[@checkoutmyyoutubepage]

@ you don’t even know what that means.

[@TalismanPHX]

Excellent reporting NBC. Praying for the victims and first responders safety 😮

[@QueenV-po5cs]

Praying for their rescue. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@democra7797]

Prayer is needed, especially if it's done in the Name of JESUS.

[@AveryCD]

Our new DUI hire Defense Secretary has ALOT of questions to answer. Condolences to all friends and families of the victims involved in this tragic incident🙏🙏

[@elaineisabelle427]

Exactly 💯

[@BrickTommyGun]

hes 9 days on the job...doubt this is his issue in any way

[@Phoenix-pm2qr]

Trump just gutted the air traffic control safety team on Jan 22nd of tons of people. On Jan 29th, we have the first major crash since 2009. This 100% is on Trump. Just like the train crash in Ohio. Trump removed safety percussions for rail roads

[@USA55412]

Probably a Dei goofball flying the chopper

[@checkoutmyyoutubepage]

@@USA55412any way to avoid blame to Trump huh?

[@MagneticFlux5]

That Blackhawk military helicopter looks like it flew right into the AA Commerial landing plane!! Our eyes aren't decieving us!

[@diana6840]

It looks that way to me too! BTW, will we get to see the passenger lists?

[@meggison4674]

Imo this wasn't an accident. Just a distraction. I pray for all the passengers!

[@joeb134]

I think I speak for most people when I say, we are sick of you.​@meggison4674

[@joeb134]

Imo your opinion doesnt matter​@@meggison4674

[@lismar2378]

Your eyes are not lying to you.

[@craigmcallister2310]

I would say the helicopter collided with the plane! The plane seems to be on an established approach.

[@stewartsmith1947]

Yes , stabilized approach ! I wonder why the TCAS failed ? Many questions here !

[@annawhyte5890]

Imagine being the other plane that's taking off and seeing that

[@AGoodJoe]

Terrible. One more reminder of why funding and regulation tend to be so important.

[@tesfayfarah774]

Really how this is this important now

[@frankhughes5702]

How does funding and regulations have anything to do with a tragic accident and mistakes?

[@mark-ko9py]

Yeah, I don't think this accident is going to have anything to do with funding or 'regulation.' Helicopter pilots made a serious error, as humans do, and often times the result of these errors isn't catastrophic, but in a small % of cases they are.

[@Abcdefghijk920]

@@tesfayfarah774 because ATC is on a KNOWN shortage and training takes years to get to the level of operating this level airport. Airlines are adding more and more aircrafts knowing ATC is on a shortage with very little relief. This is sooo important

[@tesfayfarah774]

@@frankhughes5702 if your name has Joe in it , you are evil 😈 as it gets , don’t mind him , let’s just pray 🙏

[@Ilovewbd]

Federal funding covers aviation safety. Prayers. 😔

[@ckendall67]

Yep. 😞

[@Mutanttaint]

True, but it doesn't cover pilot error

[@richardhorn7688]

@@ckendall67what funding for aviation safety was cut?

[@blacksuburbiamusicgroup7122]

@@richardhorn7688they alert the pilot when any other flying vehicle is in the flight path

[@nurabunny]

@@Mutanttaint This is an air traffic control error. Which is a federally funded position.

[@amydavis4945]

This is just so tragic! My husband, ret. US Army, was a Black Hawk helicopter crew chief in the 82nd back in the 90's. We are praying for all of those involved, military and civilian.

[@michelemarr76]

This is terrible. I lost a good friend in a plane crash. I know how horrible it is for the family. Many prayers!🙏🙏🙏

[@DanetteHoak-cn9su]

Sorry about the loss of your friend 🙏🩷🩵

[@mylifeinhouston]

Poor families there to pick up there family…the plane was about to land…this is so tragic😢😢😢😢😢

[@robe2504]

You can't imagine the absolute horror and grief. Just like that Korean plane from Jeju a few weeks ago.

[@MaryBarlow-f2g]

They might of had an Uber

[@boaz784]

Plus their families in Kansas that saw them leave. 😰

[@mylifeinhouston]

@ yesss so heartbreaking 💔…I can’t imagine

[@jensee2691]

There is something wrong on this. It smells fishy

[@KZIGGYZIG]

65 people on the plane, and three Army officers on the H-60 Blackhawk. Nine separate fire departments from Marryland, Virginia, and DC responding along with Military emergency crews. No survivors reported as of 11PM EST.

[@soapboxstomper60]

Just reported on msnbc that four survivors were pulled out thusfar. Not confirmed

[@ЧитаДрита-ш9ю]

😱

[@byronedwards8157]

There is no way anyone could survive in that icy water. That blackhawk had no business being there.

[@neilkurzman4907]

Two officers and an enlisted

[@Lurch-Bot]

It would appear this happened across the river from Giesboro Park. I have literally stood there and looked at the airport before, watching planes land on the same approach. Also near the Defense Intelligence Agency. This is 100% the military pilot's fault. That's just how the regs are written for helicopters. Pretty much automatically their fault if they hit a plane. And they flew right into the approach path of a major airport. An absolutely despicable display of incompetent airmanship. The military usually can't talk directly to ATC due to having a radio designed for different frequencies than civilians use and that needs to change. Military aircraft do not have TCAS and that also needs to change. And military aircraft should always be broadcasting an ADS-B transponder signal when in civil airspace. Always. No exceptions unless we are being invaded. Foreign adversaries can satellite track them even without a transponder signal so there is no national security argument to be made for flying in controlled airspace with no transponder and effectively no radio.

[@Makeitmakesense757]

Somebody wake Pete Hegseth up out of his stupor😅

[@nadinehopkins8150]

😅😅😅

[@karigunderson5284]

He's probably passed out by now after another night of binge drinking.

[@Sypherz]

The officers on board were likely following the new happy-hour protocol.

[@HerosAndZeros]

Give it another hour and Fox ”News” will blame Joe Biden for this crash…

[@aldasilva8847]

He was flying the helicopter.

[@Lulub475]

Did this happen because Trump cut aviation safety ?

[@LottaGoode]

At the very least, the firing did not help.

[@serettajohnson1429]

Condolences for all families who lost loved ones.

[@amberandrews6842]

A Blackhawk? In the flight path? That seems extremely odd.

[@KChelseaVenus]

Isn't it used now for lifting off the immigrants they are raiding in some states to send them to detained?

[@johnc3525]

Stupid has no limit in Trump's America.

[@bobtube58]

Ask the Commander in Chief.

[@drewclarke5920]

first reports said it was a sikorsky now saying blackhawk next a UFO l suppose....

[@neilkurzman4907]

@@bobtube58 I guess since Trump would’ve blamed Biden for this, Trump obviously takes responsibility as commander and chief

[@californiahiker9616]

I remember the plane crash into the Potomac river in the 1980’s. It happened during daytime, and the water was icy. Rescue was difficult, but they were able to pull out a few survivors. My heart goes out to all family and friends of the victims.

[@MLBrooks-g3u]

I remember it too. The plane hit the 14th St bridge and killed several people in cars there. There was also a subway accident in DC that day in which people were killed.

[@TheKris519]

What’s a Blackhawk helicopter doing over the river, and how did it run into a passenger plane??? This is inexcusable!!

[@nsanejane7713]

If you watched the video Tom Costello literally tells you that a military helicopter base is located right across the river & helicopters + diplomatic helicopters are known to fly in that area. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@melissastory1993]

@@TheKris519 they’ve been given permission to cross the flight path. They were supposed to go behind the plane, but may not have seen them or had them confused with a different plane. It sounds like it was a training flight, so it could’ve just been inexperience with making that crossing

[@Pixie-ix1so]

Why don't you watch and try to understand the interview. The interview explains in great detail, why a helicopter would be in the area...

[@patkennedy2620]

@@Pixie-ix1so But it should be below 200 feet; it appears to have been at 350 feet , coming into the descending flight path of the commercial flight.

[@Crusky2]

TSA director was fired by current administration.

[@louiewatson9389]

I'm sure their bags not being searched caused it. 🙄

[@Crusky2]

@ of course Trump is responsible for nothing.😃

[@ThinhNguyen-f3p]

BS!

[@clintonwoody420]

that is misinformation would you like to post a source

[@blackcat-sv5rj]

​@@louiewatson9389showing your ignorance there just a bit

[@FalcoStarlight]

The United States Military has a former television host as Secretary of defense. That's encouraging...

[@micheleconner5083]

And he's too busy with 47s revenge work to do his actual job!

[@JeanLeite-d1e]

@FalcoStarlight The level our once great country has sunk to is embarrassing!

[@FalcoStarlight]

@JeanLeite-d1e Yeah, it is... I wish you joy and happiness, despite your Government... 🫶

[@JeanLeite-d1e]

@@FalcoStarlight Thank you Falco, same for you and yours.

[@mrbiaux991]

MidAir collision in 2025… Unbelievable 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@TjwillDamaverick1]

That part this is somebody’s fault

[@jamesnichols5163]

@@mrbiaux991 unbelievable it hasn’t happened before now with the overstretched atc, visual separation approaches at major airports, and clearing aircraft to land before the runway is clear to save time, both of which are not allowed in Europe in most cases

[@john-michaellelievre6118]

Not really. More traffic congestion equals more chance for accidents.

[@mrbiaux991]

@@jamesnichols5163 We need to promote a culture of safety especially when we are dealing with lives. It shouldn’t happen. It is preventable with all the technology involved in aviation. Prayers and thoughts to the families of the victims.

[@JeanLeite-d1e]

@mrbiaux991 In this day and age with monitoring equipment you're right.

[@jenk264]

Holy crap! We'll see how qualified Trump's new pick is for the head of the FAA

[@soapboxstomper60]

Rumps disassembling everything, not fixing anything😮

[@beavisnsluthead]

None of them are qualified. The whole administration is garbage. Good luck America 😂

[@annclark9277]

Not qualified at all, wait-and-see

[@Pixie-ix1so]

Another reality show pick.

[@stewartsmith1947]

@@soapboxstomper60 Not really !

[@ManyfiresWoman]

May the First Responders be able to rescue those people quickly. Prayers for some miracles!! 🙏🙏

[@boombasett6038]

This year really started off rough

[@ronsingh3121]

Year of the snake not good man

[@soapboxstomper60]

Evil new administration leaves a bad bad taste in everyones mouths😮

[@IIRealize]

@@soapboxstomper60 🥈

[@longdonfamily3222]

@@soapboxstomper60not for more than half the country you sicko. Prayers to these victims.

[@LetItBeSummer-1]

December 31 seems like many years ago…

[@MaverickBlue42]

From Canada my heart goes out, I hope everyone is recovered safely

[@skierprincessakify]

There aren’t any survivors so far.

[@MaverickBlue42]

@@skierprincessakify Based on additional reporting, no, it is unlikely that anyone survived, but not impossible. There have been stranger miracles....

[@official_dev_raj_x1]

one night i was scrolling through my phone, feeling like i’d never figure out why some people just seem so magnetic. then i came across this book, Vibrations of Manifestation by Alex Lane, and something about it caught my attention. reading it was like turning on a light in a dark room. it’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not; it’s about unlocking the energy you already have. trust me, this book is worth every page

[@TheCapnchronick]

It looks like the helicopter ran into the plane

[@nic.h]

Hard to tell who had priority, but my guess would be the plane.

[@JeanLeite-d1e]

It did. Sky Australia shows the full video and the chopper clearly flew into the plane!

[@dannyphan1352]

YUP

[@nic.h]

@JeanLeite-d1e the video isn't particularly clear from that distance. The Sky New report commented that they thought it looked like the plane MAY have descended down and hit the helicopter. Another eyewitness reported sparks from the underside of the plane. Either way I don't think it's clear from the video who hit who, but it's clear someone was not where they should have been. My guess is the helicopter as it seems unlikely the plane would be on approach for landing without clearance. Anyway just speculation and we'll find out soon enough I suspect.

[@johnc3525]

Thought it was a migrant plane.

[@Universal_Bias]

Is it me or does it look like that helicopter had more than enough time to avert?

[@Mutanttaint]

We dont know.

[@Universal_Bias]

​@@Mutanttaintshhhhhh

[@Mutanttaint]

@@Universal_Bias why?

[@ShrimpTreadmill]

It def looks like it. The heli was passing right by the approach. I have no idea why they thought it was okay to be there.

[@JeanLeite-d1e]

They had plenty of time to divert and visuals too!

[@MrBamalam1]

Trump should be completely held accountable for this - as he as FIRED… The Head of the Aviation Safety Commitee, The TSA and The Coast Guard. All blessings to the families of the victims.

[@AmandaMack-ok1uv]

I agree

[@zxy78267]

Definitely

[@nicolebenard6396]

👍🙏

[@toriawilliams9431]

Pray the people are OK 🙏

[@blackcat-sv5rj]

Gotta be honest I'd be amazed if even 1 person makes it alive from crash at goodness knows what speed into water that acts as a solid at speed and then after that it's freezing giving them like 2 minutes at best probably if they survived all that other stuff

[@tylere.8436]

We can only hope, my mind is telling me otherwise given the video.

[@aprilzhang3393]

So terribly sorry for all of the people and their families 😢

[@Uniquepyro420]

Our country was built by immigrants and small businesses. Hes also attracted native Americans who were the original American people. Never saw a more racist person in my 40 year life

[@moniho6907]

Ever!!!! Its so sad

[@noodlesfoodles5325]

@Uniquepyro420 What country are you from? Because here In America (owned by Native Americans and stolen) kidnapped and trafficked enslaved people BUILT this country’s early infrastructure and produced lucrative commodities such as cotton and tobacco.

[@Raelven]

And THIS is why freezing Federal funding can not happen, ever, period.

[@thejwviolinist]

And what correlation do you see between federal funding and pilot error?

[@StephenLeon-kl2fw]

This is the first place federal aid cuts would impact. He has blood on his hands now. Icebreakers aren't even ready to go either it seems... wow, epic disaster due to total negligence.

[@MBvideos553]

Nothing to do with funding.

[@avoxyisbetterthanyou]

@@thejwviolinistaviation safety is funded federally, ATC, safety precautions, crash investigation all funding on hold, hope I answered

[@Gabedudley1]

This is why you lost. Complete logic failure

[@davidsassoon2607]

VERY SAD... EXCELLENT REPORTING

[@jimbojaime3896]

A US airliner crashed in the Potomac in Washington D.C. after colliding with a helicopter. American Airlines Flight AA5342 coming from the Midwest was in a holding pattern intending to land at Ronald Reagan Airport. The Blackhawk Helicopter was being operated by one of the branches of the military transporting an unknown VIP, (PAT-Priority Air Transport) when both of the craft collided. AA5342 had 64 (including crew of 4) occupants and has sunk to the bottom of the Potomac River. No ID on the VIP being transported. Search & Rescue Operations are now underway. No survivors have been found as of 10:22 p.m. However, NBC is now reporting that 4 survivors have been rescued. Unclear if the helicopter had its transponder turned off at the time of the collision. Video appears to show that the rotors from the helicopter struck the rear fuselage of the AA5342 as it was in the process of making its final approach to land at Ronald Reagan Airport. The video was caught on dashcam of a passing vehicle. It is also being noted that the PAT was coming from CIA HQ, from Langley.

[@TanVinh-h2h]

Thanks!

[@katsong3302]

cia vip on blackhawk wonder if truth will be told

[@felixcat9318]

Wrong! There were three crew members on a training flight, no passengers were being carried.

[@rakeshmalik5385]

It's approximately 142% probable that that VIP was very unimportant but had a lot of money. That the people on the jetliner suffered and died because that VUP though... that's tragic. The VUP.

[@suecharnock9369]

Thank you for that. So possibly survivors from the ‘Copt or, but most unlikely from the plane.

[@rogueninja1685]

Right when dear leader decided to f with the FAA

[@sampicano]

Back off! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN I'M GLAD TRUMP CUT EMERGENCY RESCUE FUNDING

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

You're all idiots. This has nothing to do with Trump, and it has nothing to do with DEI. It's not like there's no money the minute after a spending freeze has been announced. And of course the MAGA supporters are absolutely brainless in their responses.

[@user-gl5ux5xk3k]

@@sampicano excuse me maggot? Back off?

[@snoozen59]

@@sampicanobrainwashed brain dead maga cult member

[@RevoZep]

​@MikeHunt-qu6sk ignore this bot trying to stir rage. He is trash.

[@PMA-G]

Think about your tax dollars. The GOP says aviation safety is not a priority

[@patrickthomas2119]

right because just throwing money at something means it gets fixed; what a clown.

[@markbeeksma8035]

The new helicopter pilot was hired under Biden. I wonder if merit was involved in that decision.

[@toolwithintention]

Everyone knows aviation safety is important, also, we have a country to fix thanks to the democrats who can’t tie a shoe!

[@DrewFinch-y3q]

Go away Loser 😂

[@G5Ckxew]

It's not. More people die from Mexican Fentanyl overdoses

[@bolaadetiba8220]

I don’t even remember the last time we had a commercial jet crash in the US! Condolences to the families of these passengers 😢😢😢

[@bittenichtofnen]

Omg, I pray 🙏 for the individuals involved including rescue teams.

[@cnault3244]

And while you are praying, you should ask your god why they didn't prevent it.

[@bittenichtofnen]

@cnault3244 which god?

[@bittenichtofnen]

@cnault3244 omg stands for oh my goodness 😂😆.

[@cnault3244]

@@bittenichtofnen Whichever one you were praying to.

[@cnault3244]

@@bittenichtofnen "omg stands for oh my goodness " And what you posted was "Omg, I pray 🙏 for the individuals involved including rescue teams." Who or what are you praying to?

[@jenniferorvis4205]

It appears that the helicopter hit the plane. 😮

[@SuperStar-jr3nu]

One thing's for sure... Pete Hegseth doesnt have the slightest idea of what to do with this massive military situation.

[@StephenLeon-kl2fw]

Exactly, this happened under the worst leadership possible. Why would Hegseth even approve of that copter flying there? He is too busy removing stars from decorated veterans..

[@YT4Readers]

Super Star: Oh, hey, he can resign if he finds the job too much.

[@robbannstrom]

Tragic incident. It looks like the helicopter was in the wrong place, while the jet was on approach to Reagan Airport.

[@city_by_the_bay7769]

that was no accident

[@cindytripp]

National.

[@eddieedmondson7698]

Are you sure about that? Couldn't be the jet at fault? Sorry, didn't mean to question your expertise.

[@robbannstrom]

@@eddieedmondson7698 "Are you sure about that?" - I said "looks like," based on what had been reported. "Couldn't be the jet at fault?" Clear skies, regular air flight, no issues reported ... sure, of course the jet could have been at fault. "Sorry, didn't mean to question your expertise." Funny guy. Thanks for your service.

[@KevinLance-ne3to]

How in the f does this happen?! It's absolutely horrible and absolutely ridiculous!

[@RealAINews.10]

Trump's effect. Just the beginning.

[@Eta9261]

I also wanna see a passenger manifest for both aircraft. Something feels so off about this. Pilot(s) for the helicopter made no obvious attempt to avoid the collision and flew straight into the side of a passenger jet? Its feeling more like an assassination being disguised as an accident

[@desiderata7704]

I'm not one for conspiracy theories but... 💯

[@lastalive7403]

Congratulations on being the first conspiracy theorist in the comments. Let's say the helicopter was intentionally flown by a radical left Demoncrat into a planeload of Republican Congressmen! 🤪

[@Eta9261]

@ me either normally haha but the way the helicopter just barreled straight into the plane is giving me bad vibes to say the least

[@ChibiHoshiDragon]

I guess defenestration would be copying his puppet master too closely.

[@cherylclark2816]

Yep I'm thinking the same thing

[@TT-qo9dv]

Military helicopter collides with passenger plane. Pete’s in charge of the military.

[@MillennialDiligence-sx8re]

Hegseth is an evil SOB. I wouldn't put this past him.

[@southpaw4755]

That is a ridiculous statement. You should be ashamed.

[@amberandrews6842]

He's clueless.

[@MillennialDiligence-sx8re]

@@TT-qo9dv Pete is a psychopath.

[@StephenLeon-kl2fw]

Crazy Pete would authorize flying helicopters so close to potential disaster near an airport.. not a good first week of giving orders. I want him in front of the camera NOW; mainly, to see if he is even sober!!

[@raygayton2394]

This looks deliberate. Condolences to all involved. I pray for a miracle.

[@faithdurrer8614]

No - It does not look deliberate and you speculating is offensive and ignorant.

[@dogteeeth]

absolutely sad and devastating, how could something like this happen?

[@abbeyhaynes525]

Absolutely heartbreaking

[@kathyperry5787]

The chopper is moving very quickly and looks like it’s on a b- line heading towards the plane.

[@charlescraycraft9972]

Prayers going out to victims in this incident.

[@NostalgiaNeka]

That is sad and scary. Smh people really don't understand how precious and intentional life is. 💙🙏🏽😳

[@thehumanitarianst7614]

What were the people in the tower doing? Oh, there may have not been anyone up there due to trump freezing federal funding without giving anyone notice. I hope everyone is ok. 😢😢

[@MaryBarlow-f2g]

There was no one there. They work from home. It's why trump wants them to return to the office.

[@bettireagan]

⁠whatt????@MaryBarlow-f2g

[@Cheesey_enthusiast]

Wrong. He fired the directors already.

[@azendantforces1897]

Didn’t take long for Trump to wreck things,😢

[@soapboxstomper60]

Day one😮

[@shilk4301]

What has trump to do with this

[@karigunderson5284]

@@shilk4301 Everything.

[@Cheesey_enthusiast]

Both are government agencies that he runs. Who else is to blame?

[@PattiFinn]

@@karigunderson5284 BS

[@Winston_Smith-144]

From my purview it looks like the Blackhawk persued the Jet Airliner like a Kamikaze

[@Eta9261]

From the video i saw it looks like the plane was in an approved flight path for either takeoff or approach . The plane isnt that high off the ground from the looks of it, and then this helicopter just basically makes a b-line from a different direction straight into the plane. Even if no plane was there, why is a helicopter crossing a flight path like that so close to the airport?How did the chopper pilots not see this aircraft? They literally flew straight into it

[@alicewoodard2373]

Makes you wonder if they were ordered to collide with the plane .😮

[@Eta9261]

@ sure looks like they did it intentionally. They’re already on the news making excuses for the chopper pilots and how distracted they are while flying the chopper as if that explains crossing over an approach flight path into the side of a massive jet with no attempt to avoid it.

[@laurie113]

Thank you! I have the same questions

[@gloriacotton3739]

Me too.....thoughts are the same.

[@annawarner5483]

Were the black hawk pilots actual trained, experienced pilots or wannabes Hegseth put in black hawk?

[@Maruman_man]

Hegseth is so unqualified for the position. He makes WEI hires look like geniuses.

[@maxinesieunarine7232]

From Canada praying for the families ❤❤❤❤❤

[@NOL1FEK1NG]

Yes, this is a direct effect of Trump nonsensical policies. But that is for another day. Nobody should have thier lives randomly snatched away like this or any other way. SMH.

[@WinstonSmith24]

Which policy?

[@Mutanttaint]

Except that it isn't. Trumps funding cuts were stopped, and haven't happened yet.

[@Afriks-Yaw]

Yes, and the karmic debt of his wickedness. Churches are places of refuge. Don't send forces over there to harm people. May God help the families to cope. This is sad.

[@Afriks-Yaw]

@@WinstonSmith24 Wickedness!

[@kevincochran855]

If it's not the time why bring it up? Please take your TDS pills before your tiny little brain explodes!

[@jaymebowman799]

Could this be a result from the email that thousands of Federal/ Civil service employees received "Fork in the Road" basically telling them they have a choice to voluntary resign and they will be paid until September or else???? Did we have air traffic controllers decide to take them up on their offer? I'm afraid more types of things are going to happen.

[@YT4Readers]

Jay: Put middle aged white men with no college experience (MAGA core) in charge of civil service AI, and what will you get?

[@landy531]

The chopper pilot must be blind not to see the lights on the plane 😥

[@debzazulia4441]

Prayers to all involved🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@williestewart1216]

Prayers for everyone aboard both aircrafts

[@MichaelVileleagueofintrigue]

yours so-called prayers ONLY make YOU "feel" good.

[@cnault3244]

And while you are praying, you should ask your god why they didn't prevent it.

[@prettyasapeachxo]

@@MichaelVileleagueofintrigueThere is absolutely nothing wrong with someone using prayer to respond to tragedies like this. It costs nothing to be kind.

[@lilacscentedfushias1852]

@@cnault3244 👏🏼

[@CynthiaLanders1]

@@MichaelVileleagueofintrigue Exactly! Prayer is self-soothing behavior. Self-soothing is a perfectly fine thing to do, but pray-ers always want to congratulate themselves for it so people will think they're virtuous

[@pearl_kill_Gaming]

Who was it that gutted all those regulations.. anyone.. anyone bueller? Gut train regulations get train crashes Gut vehicle regulations get vehicles crashes Gut airspace regulations get airspace crashes.

[@rossmilligan5873]

Sad, God Bless them all.

[@MichaelVileleagueofintrigue]

yours so-called prayers ONLY make YOU "feel" good.

[@blllo1207]

What is a military aircraft doing in civilian air space near an Air Port

[@rudder727]

The Pentagon is literally across the street. This blackhawk was a VIP transport. Lots of government locations where they pick up and drop off people.

[@louiewatson9389]

We do it all the time. We often have a small area at the airport just for our helicopters. National Guard helicopters.

[@techgraphics5471]

that's all the random military activity that's been happening above us from the biden administration because of russian/china "threats" 🙄🙄

[@romabqui]

Ask Hegseth at the bar

[@aikanae1]

That's not unusual. Some smaller airports serve both commercial and military traffic.

[@CatherineHutchinson-s9s]

Heartbreaking, all of those lost lives and now so many heartbroken families and friends. Sincere condolences goes out to everyone 🙏

[@julesnagbunga1204]

This is down to the brilliance and the professionalism of the first responders. The survivors will have these people to thank both at the scene and at the hospitals.

[@douglasc9182]

Survivors?

[@CynthiaLanders1]

"Brilliance and professionalism" ?? How do you know they weren't clumsy and clueless? Were you there?

[@Not-a-GSD]

First responders are in recovery not rescue mode…

[@nancychandler367]

Oh my. Recovery 😢

[@EmmaPeel1955]

They are in the freezing Potomac River.

[@WayOfTheZombie]

Pete Hegseths first epic fail?

[@andrewstevenson118]

Oh of course not. Don't be melodramatic.

[@elroythegreat1590]

😂 You got this.

[@gcgiann]

Get those DEI pilots back on duty!

[@MsPoodlepie]

Heartless loser!!

[@darryldworak6356]

@WayOfTheZombie People died and all you can think about is your stupid politics of course your tryna find a win for your side out of a tragedy that’s why nobody messes with the Dems anymore

[@lowdallasgaming]

Man how??? The incompetence!! Like how does this happen with a black hawk. Something ain't right

[@hollyweir7537]

So tragic. I remember the 80s plane crash into bridge when I was driving home from work in Rockville to VA....ugh. As a former resident there so sad to see this.

[@Getyourheadoutyourass]

You’re really old if you were around for that

[@mynintendogamingfeed5208]

Was that one in which an aircraft crashed due to icing?

[@aeromoe]

Yup - 13 January 1982 Air Florida flight 90. RIP. RIP to all these folks involved too.😓😓

[@Sueblueify]

I remember that as well. It was in the winter too.

[@MostlyElectrolytes]

I still remember that crash.

[@4362mont]

Was Hegseth piloting the helicopter?

[@WinstonSmith24]

No. DUI Tim Walz was.

[@musicilike69]

50/50 if Hesgeth is out cold, drunk.

[@Faesharlyn]

So weird that it was a blackhawk

[@Faesharlyn]

​@WinstonSmith24 i'll bet you have more dui's than tim walz

[@StephenLeon-kl2fw]

Hegseth doesn't even know what a black hawk helicopter is, let alone able to run DoD. Between Heggy and Trump's federal cuts.. this is negligence on an epic scale. Happened in DC too, first place expected to be affected by cutting funding.

[@Uniquepyro420]

Name one thing trump has done to make America great again

[@itsvictoroyedeji]

How does a Blackhawk military plane collide right into a plane with the lights clearly on??? I hope this wasn’t a s@icide mission by the Blackhawk plane.

[@ehayes7849]

that was my first thought

[@Alovellyone]

The footage looks like it went straight into the plane. This world is so evil and politics has further consumed so many to the point of producing more unhinged individuals who feel the need to take their own agressions and grievances out on innocent folks. I the innocent were deceased before they hit the water.

[@dakotayounger6988]

Bingo

[@foxmccloud7055]

I will take a wait and see attitude about this, before I comment on this because I don't want to get this wrong.

[@jenna6149]

I have a few tinfoil hat thoughts but right now all that matters is hoping emergency services can act quickly and that fatalities are not as high as it seems they would be. Plenty of time for finger pointing later.

[@yugotime1598]

Same, I've also seen you comment on Meidus Touch Network stuff so we're already along the same lines of thinking.

[@nadinestapler3881]

I’ll tell you what happened, the helicopter flew right into that plane.

[@Typical.Anomaly]

Welcome to Donald tRump's America!

[@Mutanttaint]

I can't stand trump, but he had nothing to do with this

[@TalismanPHX]

Too soon

[@Typical.Anomaly]

@@Mutanttaint I know. It's just fun to see how many upvotes sh!t like this will get! Welcome to Donald tRump's America!

[@anson.meadows]

@@MutanttaintIt’s a coping reflex. Dishonest but cognitive dissonance. These people are exactly why Trump gets elected.

[@jcarr1289]

Feel free to leave. Nobody will miss you. This is tragic news.

[@BenVargas78]

Prayers for all those involved.

[@CynthiaLanders1]

Praying is just an ordinary self-soothing behavior. Self-soothing is a perfectly fine thing to do but is nothing to brag about

[@deadtoadsoup]

I think he prefers texts these days.

[@longdonfamily3222]

@@CynthiaLanders1it’s America. Freedom of religion. Don’t like it-leave.

[@CynthiaLanders1]

@@longdonfamily3222 No need for me to leave for godsakes. Freedom of religion is great! Just like freedom of SPEECH is great. Like the freedom to point out people's fake virtue silliness. If I want to self-soothe(a perfectly ordinary thing to do), I might take a bubble bath, but I don't conspicuously _brag_ "My bubbles go out to the victims and first responders." Because that would look silly and self-congratulatory. See?

[@CynthiaLanders1]

@Imhavinganervousbreakdown I am simply not fooled by the conspicuous self-congratulation that people want to publicly announce, just because they said a prayer. I believe such people simply want to _appear_ virtuous. And they are kidding themselves that their prayers help people