Audio Reveals Urgent Warning Moments Before D.C. Plane Crash
Chilling Audio Reveals Air Traffic Controllers’ Final Warnings Before Fatal Mid-Air Collision In D.C.
Source: China News Service / Getty
Tense audio recordings reveal air traffic controllers urgently warning a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter just moments before it collided with an American Airlines passenger jet over Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.
With increasing concern, the control tower repeatedly asks, “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?” before instructing the military helicopter to “pass behind” the approaching aircraft. That final warning came roughly 30 seconds before American Airlines Flight 5342—a Bombardier CRJ 700—slammed into the Black Hawk near Reagan National Airport.
RELATED: No Survivors In Mid-Air Collision Involving Passenger Jet, Black Hawk Helicopter
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Catastrophic Impact Over the Potomac
The collision sent both aircraft plummeting into the icy waters of the Potomac River with no survivors expected. The American Airlines plane, which was carrying 64 people, including four crew members, was on its descent into Reagan National after departing from Wichita, Kansas. The Black Hawk had three soldiers on board.
Rescue crews have recovered at least 30 bodies as of Thursday morning, and officials have now transitioned their efforts from rescue to recovery.
Investigation UnderwayU.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that both aircraft were operating on standard flight paths, stating, “Something went wrong.” Investigators are now working to determine what led to the deadly crash.
Witnesses Stunned by Fiery Mid-Air Explosion
Eyewitnesses described the tragic moment when the two aircraft collided, igniting a fireball that lit the night sky briefly before debris rained into the river. Adding to the horrifying tragedy, among those on board were U.S. Figure Skating team members, including world champions and their coaches.
Support for the Families
American Airlines has confirmed it is providing immediate assistance to victims’ families, flying them to Washington, D.C., free of charge. The airline is also covering lodging, meals, and other expenses while deploying specially trained crisis support teams to aid those affected.
Authorities continue their investigation as the nation mourns this devastating loss.
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Chilling Audio Reveals Air Traffic Controllers’ Final Warnings Before Fatal Mid-Air Collision In D.C. was originally published on r1wolbbaltimore.staging.go.ione.nyc