Plane Crash in DC

By Andrea Gonzalez-Cabrera, Writer | February 14, 2025

Photo courtesy of Associated Press Images

On January 29, 2025 a passenger plane from an American Airlines jet and an Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided in midair around 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The collision occurred at a low altitude near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The unfortunate accident was highlighted across the news cycle and many discussed the tragedy with friends and family.

Carson High School freshman Natalia Cunul stated, “I heard it from my mom, she told me what had happened.”

Sadly, there were no survivors. In total, 67 people died including a lawyer, seven hunting buddies, farming couples, and twenty eight people returning from a skating camp. In the helicopter, there were three soldiers who lost their lives as well.

Many people want answers, and some are worried that the maps were not checked accurately, making an attempt to avoid the crash impossible. Those responsible for air safety include Air Traffic Control (ATC), Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), and Restricted Airspace and Military Coordination.

CHS senior Alondra Alvarez stated, “I am upset that they didn't check the mapping and take precautions to [help] avoid it.”

The aftermath? Some Americans are now scared to fly on planes.

CHS freshman Joselyn Escobar said, “My idea has changed [regarding] flying because I already am scared and now, hearing this news, and [more about] other plane crashes, I am terrified of flying.”

There is an ongoing investigation in the hopes of making sure that answers are found. Authorities are still working to see what went wrong and how to prevent things like this from happening in the future.