Seeking Justice for Flight 5342: Investigating the Potomac River Mid-Air Collision
The aviation accident law firm Bohrer & Lukeman has initiated an investigation into the tragic collision of American Airlines flight 5432 and an Army Blackhawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, DC.
On the evening of January 29, 2025, at approximately 8:47 p.m., a catastrophic mid-air collision occurred over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by PSA Airlines (a subsidiary of American Airlines), collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The collision claimed the lives of all on board—60 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Eagle flight and three U.S. Army service members in the Black Hawk.
This tragic incident occurred in one of the busiest airspaces in the United States. Flight 5342 had been directed to circle as part of its approach to runway 33, a deviation from its initial approach to runway 1, which was the subject of discussion between the controller and the AA flight crew. Meanwhile, the Black Hawk helicopter was following a low-level route over the Potomac River and was in communication with air traffic control. Preliminary reports indicate that the controller noticed the proximity of the two aircraft shortly before the collision and instructed the Black Hawk to fly behind the passenger flight. However, no safety alert was issued, and there are growing concerns about the adequacy of the air traffic control system at the time of the incident.
The Pending Investigation
The investigation into this disaster is still in its early stages. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U.S. Army are both involved in the probe. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within the next two weeks, outlining some basic facts surrounding the collision. However, a full investigation will take many months, and it could take over a year before the NTSB issues a final report on the probable cause of the accident.
As we await further details, it is already evident that the air traffic control system faced challenges during the crash. A recent revelation indicates that the Black Hawk was operating above its authorized maximum altitude and that air traffic control was severely understaffed, with only one controller managing tasks typically handled by two. Additionally, preliminary data suggests that the American Eagle aircraft’s nose pitched up in the moments leading up to impact, potentially indicating an attempt to avoid the collision.
We Are Experienced Airplane Accident Lawyers
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise when aviation systems are under-resourced or poorly coordinated. At Bohrer & Lukeman PLLC, our airplane accident lawyers have over 30 years of experience representing victims of aviation accidents. We understand the gravity of such incidents and are committed to holding the responsible parties accountable.
As veteran aviation accident attorneys, we have represented the families of countless victims lost or injured in aviation accidents and disasters. We are keenly aware of how critical it is to ensure that aviation regulations, air traffic control systems, and operational protocols are followed to avoid tragedies like this. Our founder, Abe Bohrer, and the rest of our legal team stand ready to pursue justice on behalf of the victims’ families, and we will continue to monitor the NTSB and Army investigations closely.
We’ve Got Your Back: Airplane Accident Lawyers with 30+ Years of Experience
While it will take time to fully uncover all the factors that led to this collision, we are dedicated to seeking justice for those affected by this devastating accident and ensuring that safety measures are implemented to prevent future tragedies.