The United States has suffered its first fatal commercial airline crash in nearly 16 years, ending what had been an unprecedented streak of aviation safety.

On January 29, 2025, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ-700, operating as American Eagle Flight 5342, collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

The tragic accident marks the first deadly crash involving a commercial airliner in the U.S. since 2009.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Flight 5342 had departed from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) and was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members at the time of impact.

The crash led to a complete halt of operations at DCA, as emergency teams rushed to the scene.

The incident ends a remarkable 16-year period without a fatal U.S. commercial airline crash.

The last such disaster occurred on February 12, 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, killing all 49 people on board and one on the ground.

The crash led to sweeping aviation safety reforms, including stricter pilot training requirements.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the Reagan National midair collision.

American Airlines, which operates American Eagle flights, expressed deep concern, stating that they are working closely with authorities to support emergency response efforts.

No survivors have been reported from Wednesday night’s crash.