A sudden midair accident near Reagan National Airport initiated a large-scale search and rescue operation in the icy Potomac River. Recently disclosed air traffic control audio unveils the intense moments before, during, and after the collision, providing crucial insights into this sad event.

An intense rescue mission unfolded as an American Airlines passenger jet encountered a midair collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The plane, which plunged into the frozen waters of the Potomac River, resulted in inevitable fatalities, though at the time, no survivors had been located.

Operations at the airport were discontinued until at least 11 a.m. ET Thursday as emergency responders diligently attended to the crash site.

The tragic event involved American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, which departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.

The Black Hawk helicopter, carrying three soldiers, was on a training mission when the incident occurred. Experts affirm that the aircraft lay broken in the water with the helicopter close by.

A historical audio recording captured startling details leading to the calamitous crash, highlighting critical events preceding the unfortunate moment. An air traffic controller is heard asking the helicopter crew, “PAT 2-5, do you have the CRJ in sight?”

Moments followed as the controller guided, “PAT 2-5, pass behind the CRJ.” Seconds before the impact, the Black Hawk pilot confirmed eye contact with the aircraft, stating, “PAT 2-5 has aircraft in sight, request visual separation.”

Within just 13 seconds, a recorded gasp from the control tower illustrates the instance of collision, marked by a loud “oooh.” Rapid response from the tower relayed the catastrophe to another pilot who then advised caution.

The air traffic control directed, “I don’t know if you caught earlier what happened, but there was a collision on the approach end of 3-3. We are going to be shutting down operations for the indefinite future if you want to go back to the gate. Highly suggest you guys coordinate with the company. Let me know what you want to do,” the controller remarked.

Another observer confirmed the incident, stating to controllers, “Yeah, we were on short final, and we saw flares from the opposite side of the Potomac.” An approach controller added, “Apparently both aircraft involved are in the river, a search and rescue will be ongoing.”

The collision led to substantial disruptions at Reagan National Airport, forcing flights to other destinations.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority CEO Jack Potter sympathized with the tragic event, noting that American Airlines had provided a center within the airport to support the relatives and friends of those aboard.

“We’ve directed the families there, and there are counselors there to work with the families,” he stated. Rescue teams encountered tough challenges retrieving victims due to the river’s depth and turbulent conditions.

Data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the average depth of the Potomac River is approximately 24 feet, with some areas extending to 107 feet near Morgantown, Maryland. The cold temperatures and swift currents posed additional obstacles to the recovery teams.

President Donald Trump reacted to the disaster on his Truth Social, pointing out the conditions surrounding the crash. “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,” he commented.

“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!!!” he concluded.

As ongoing rescue efforts search for solutions and investigators endeavor to comprehend the seconds prior to the crash, the audio recordings reveal the rapid development of such catastrophes and will play a vital role in understanding the root causes of this heartbreaking disaster.