Responders Recall Tragic Midair Collision Near DC

Emergency crews recount recovery efforts one year after deadly plane and helicopter crash

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:23pm

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One year after a deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C. claimed 67 lives, emergency responders are reflecting on the harrowing recovery mission that followed. The crash between an American Airlines flight and an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025 triggered a massive regional emergency response, with divers braving dangerous conditions to recover victims' bodies and personal belongings. Responders describe the emotional toll of the tragedy, especially for those with young children, and the ongoing mental health support needed for those who were first on the scene.

Why it matters

The midair collision was the deadliest plane crash in the U.S. in over 20 years, sparking investigations into aviation safety and emergency response protocols. The recovery efforts also highlighted the immense trauma experienced by first responders dealing with such a tragic incident, especially one involving multiple children, underscoring the importance of mental health support for those on the front lines.

The details

The crash occurred as American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas was moments from landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, colliding with an Army Black Hawk helicopter with a crew of three. All 67 people on the two aircraft were killed. Emergency responders, including 20-30 divers from harbor patrol units, arrived within an hour to find the plane's fuselage partially submerged, with suitcases and other debris strewn about. They spent nearly a week recovering all of the victims' bodies from the 8-foot deep water, while also scouring the river for personal effects to return to grieving families.

  • The crash occurred on January 29, 2025 at 8:48 pm.
  • Emergency responders arrived on the scene within an hour of the initial call.
  • Recovery efforts lasted for nearly a week to retrieve all 67 victims.

The players

John Donnelly

The District of Columbia's Fire and EMS chief, who oversaw the emergency response and recovery efforts.

Tim Lilley

The father of Sam Lilley, the co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 5342.

Robert Varga

A 16-year member of the Metropolitan Police Department scuba diving team who responded to the crash site.

Sam Short

A Washington fire rescue squad lieutenant who was among the first responders on the scene.

Jeffrey Leslie

A police officer and diver who spent hours at the crash site and returned multiple times in the following months.

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What they’re saying

“We knew at the one-hour mark there weren't going to be any survivors.”

— John Donnelly, District of Columbia Fire and EMS Chief

“If you've ever been out on the Potomac, it's not a pleasant place to dive under the best conditions. But on that night, the fact that they're getting in the water and doing everything that they could was amazing.”

— Tim Lilley, Father of crash victim

“There's a lot of different things that we saw and did that night. You just can't describe it to people.”

— Sam Short, Washington fire rescue squad lieutenant

“We hope that we were able to provide just a sliver of closure to them.”

— Robert Varga, Metropolitan Police Department scuba diver

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board is continuing its investigation into the causes of the midair collision, with a hearing on the crash scheduled for this week.

The takeaway

The heroic efforts of first responders in the face of unimaginable tragedy underscores the immense toll such incidents can take, both on victims' families and the emergency personnel tasked with recovery. This event has prompted renewed focus on mental health support and resources for those on the front lines of such disasters.