A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air with American Airlines flight 5342 on Wednesday night while conducting a White House evacuation drill. The crash, which occurred near Ronald Reagan National Airport, killed all 64 passengers on the plane and the three service members aboard the helicopter.
Defense sources confirmed the exercise was part of a Continuity of Government (COG) mission, ensuring government operations during crises. Identified victims include Staff Sergeant Ryan O’Hara and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves. The third, a female co-pilot, remains unnamed at her family’s request.
Dashcam footage captured the fiery explosion before both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River. Investigators recovered flight recorders from both aircraft as they work to determine the cause. Reports indicate an air traffic controller shortage at the time. Former President Trump speculated DEI policies may have played a role, though no evidence supports this claim.
