Additional restrictions have gone into effect around Reagan National Airport following Wednesday night’s fatal mid-air crash over the Potomac.
The low-altitude helicopter corridor in use at the time of the fiery collision has been closed for the time being, U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) confirmed with ARLnow.
Runway 33 at DCA, which a regional jet carrying 64 people was approaching at the time of the crash, has also been shut down until at least Feb. 7, WJLA reported.
The airport is open and operating normally today, January 31. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for delays or cancellations.
— Reagan Airport (@Reagan_Airport) January 31, 2025
It’s good to see this response from FAA but we will need long term answers on helicopter traffic here. I’m discussing this with my regional colleagues and I expect we will have more to say soon. https://t.co/JbSbof3pAF
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) January 31, 2025
First responders recovered 41 bodies from the Potomac River as of last night, a DC Fire and EMS spokesperson confirmed with ARLnow. Recovery operations continued, with divers searching for aircraft components and beginning operations to remove the bulk of the wreckage from the water.
Investigators have recovered a voice recorder and a flight data recorder from the American Airlines CRJ700 jet.
Crosses honoring the crash victims have been placed at Gravelly Point, the area along the GW Parkway and Mount Vernon Trail that’s a popular place to watch planes takeoff and land at the airport. People are asked to avoid Gravelly Point, Dangerfield Island and Mount Vernon Trail as they are closed for response efforts.
Arlington County agencies, meanwhile, have played a supporting role in the massive regional response.
The Arlington County Fire Department dispatched 11 units and 22 personnel to assist with search-and-recovery efforts, county spokesperson Ryan Hudson told ARLnow.
Arlington County police assisted with traffic control near the airport and have helped maintain an increased law enforcement presence in the area. Arlington’s Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management also worked with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to coordinate support at DCA.
“I’m immensely thankful to our first responders, including from Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax, who risked their lives in the ice and wind to provide critical support for our community amid this tragedy,” Rep. Beyer told ARLnow.
“We all should remember, in the time ahead, the way first responders and workers from agencies across the region came together to help people,” he continued. “It’s a great example of positive, constructive response and I hope we see more of that.”
A preliminary report on the crash is expected within 30 days of the incident. DCA is infamous for its complex airspace, and Congress overwhelmingly approved additional flights out of the airport last year.
Outlets have also reported significant understaffing at the air traffic control tower at the time of the crash.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social today that the helicopter — an Army Black Hawk with three soldiers on board — “was flying too high, by a lot.” The president sparked rancor after initially placing blame, without evidence, on FAA diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Despite any partisan divides over the appropriate response to the incident, members of the Virginia House of Representatives rose in unison yesterday evening following Del. Adele McClure’s request to adjourn in honor of those who died.
“In this moment of profound grief, I ask that as a body, we honor the passengers, the crew, the military personnel and those who lost their lives last night, as well as the first responders who bravely ran towards danger,” she said.
Today, the House adjourned in memory of those we tragically lost last night at DCA. Our hearts break for the families, loved ones, and first responders affected by this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/vfUKfJ5TLX
— Delegate Adele McClure (she/her) (@AdeleMcClure_) January 30, 2025
A relief fund is collecting donations to support impacted families, regional first responders and nonprofits.
People are asked to call 911 immediately if they have any information related to recovery efforts in the Potomac or Anacostia Rivers, or on the shore.
People who believe they had loved ones onboard Flight 5342 can call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215.
