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Harrowing footage shows new view of tragic American Airlines crash that saw all onboard killed
Home>News>US News
Updated 19:39 31 Jan 2025 GMTPublished 18:29 31 Jan 2025 GMT

Harrowing footage shows new view of tragic American Airlines crash that saw all onboard killed

The American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter on Wednesday (29 January)

Joshua Nair

Joshua Nair

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New footage of the fatal American Airlines crash in Washington DC has been obtained, providing a new view of the horrific incident.

On Wednesday (29 January), a PSA Airlines jet, which was operating as American Airlines flight 5342, collided with in mid-air with a US army helicopter while attempting to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington DC.

The incident occurred around 21:00 local time, with the plane flying in from Wichita, Kansas, while the helicopter made its way from Fort Belvoir in Virginia on a training flight.

Previous footage of the crash was obtained and released by CBS News, which you can view here:

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It was further reported by the news outlet that 64 passengers and four crew members were onboard the passenger plane, while three soldiers were said to be on the helicopter.

At least 19 bodies have been found so far, as the search by authorities continues.

Following the collision between the two aircrafts, they plunged into the Potomac River, with all those onboard the plane and the three soldiers confirmed to be dead.

An investigation into the matter is ongoing, as audio from Air Traffic Control (ATC) has since been released, as well as more footage from ATC.

Now, CNN have obtained exclusive new footage that was caught on a mobile phones, showcasing new angles of the tragedy.

The aircraft can be seen igniting into flames mid-air (CNN)
The aircraft can be seen igniting into flames mid-air (CNN)

Both videos clearly show the aircraft making contact over the river, with pieces of fiery debris falling into the water below.

The American Airlines plane can be seen spinning out on control into the river, in what is the USA's deadliest aviation disaster since 2001.

In footage, the army helicopter's red tail lights can be seen flashing as it flew straight into the passenger plane, which was found in three pieces in the icy cold river.

The chilling videos also show the helicopter's flashing lights continue to illuminate as it crashes into the water.

Investigators are currently working to piece the lead-up of events together, as it is expected to take several months before a verdict for cause of crash is reached.

The American Airlines plane's black box will need to be studied, while other flight data will need to be collected, and interviews with ATC staff will have to be carried out.

It is the deadliest US aviation accident in almost 25 years (CNN)
It is the deadliest US aviation accident in almost 25 years (CNN)

A preliminary report from The New York Times has suggested that there could be a probable cause of the crash, according to information from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

It found that staffing levels were 'not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic' as one member of ground staff was left in charge of both the passenger plane and the military helicopter - though it added that there were no strange factors regarding any distraction from controllers.

CNN also reported that a Republic Airways Flight aborted its landing just days before the crash after being warned of a nearby helicopter.

The Washington Post also reported claims of ATC being understaffed.

LADbible has previously contacted the FAA for comment.

Featured Image Credit: CNN

Topics: American Airlines , US News, Travel

Joshua Nair
Joshua Nair

Joshua Nair is a journalist at LADbible. Born in Malaysia and raised in Dubai, he has always been interested in writing about a range of subjects, from sports to trending pop culture news. After graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a BA in Media, Journalism and Publishing, he got a job freelance writing for SPORTbible while working in marketing before landing a full-time role at LADbible. Unfortunately, he's unhealthily obsessed with Manchester United, which takes its toll on his mental and physical health. Daily.

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@joshnair10

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