Air traffic control audio in DC plane crash captures moments around collision

A catastrophic collision occurred Wednesday at Ronald Reagan National Airport when an American Airlines passenger jet with 64 people aboard struck a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter during its landing approach. The crash unfolded over the Potomac River near Washington D.C., triggering an extensive search and rescue operation.

In the critical moments before impact, air traffic control attempted to deconflict the aircraft. After confirming visual contact with the approaching commercial flight, the helicopter crew received instructions to pass behind the CRJ aircraft. Seconds later, the collision occurred.

Air traffic control immediately halted all ground operations. The aircraft’s transponder signal vanished approximately 2,400 feet short of the runway, over the Potomac River. Three U.S. Army personnel were confirmed to have been aboard the helicopter at the

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