Authorities have recovered the remains of all 67 victims from last week’s plane crash in Washington, D.C., confirming that all but one has been positively identified. Officials described this as a significant step toward providing closure for the victims’ families and the community. The final victim’s identification is still underway by the D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The crash occurred Wednesday night when a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, operated by three soldiers, collided with American Eagle Flight 5342 as it was descending into Reagan National Airport. The flight, carrying 64 passengers from Wichita, Kansas, crashed into the Potomac River alongside the helicopter, leaving no survivors. This marks the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. in 16 years.
On Monday, investigators retrieved key parts of the aircraft, including the aft fuselage, right engine, and right pylon. Additional wreckage was recovered Tuesday, including the airplane’s right wing, center fuselage, sections of the left wing and fuselage, and major cockpit components. Authorities are continuing salvage efforts in the Potomac River to ensure a complete and respectful recovery process.
The public is urged to report any plane debris or personal belongings found along the Potomac and Anacostia River shorelines by calling 911. Officials stress that these items could be crucial for both the investigation and the victims’ families.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Navy’s salvage team are working to lift major jet components from the water. Once completed, focus will shift to recovering wreckage from the Black Hawk helicopter.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation and expects to release a preliminary report within 30 days. Early findings suggest the helicopter was flying at approximately 300 feet—100 feet higher than its designated altitude—when the collision occurred between 300 and 350 feet. More data from the helicopter is needed to confirm these details, and officials plan to recover the Sikorsky UH-60 Military Helicopter later this week.
Following the crash, the U.S. Department of Transportation imposed strict restrictions on helicopter flights along Route 4, a path frequently used by Black Hawks beneath commercial jet routes.
Many of the victims were affiliated with the figure skating communities in Washington, D.C., and Boston. Several were young skaters and their families returning from the National Development Camp in Wichita. Others were members of the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters in Maryland.
Efforts to identify all victims were delayed due to some next of kin residing overseas. Families were asked to come to the airport to help with the identification process.
