28 bodies recovered, all presumed dead in US plane crash: Top developments

A mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter occurred on Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The jet, carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members, collided with a helicopter that had three US army soldiers onboard. American Airlines confirmed in a press briefing that at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, adding that there are likely no survivors. The rescue operation is still underway.
What happened
A Bombardier jet, operated by American Airlines subsidiary PSA, was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when it collided around 9 pm with a military helicopter conducting a routine training flight.
The footage of the US plane crash shows a massive fireball lighting up the night sky as both aircraft plummeted into the freezing waters of the Potomac River.

Rescue efforts
Rescue operations have been challenging due to the extreme conditions at the crash site. More than 300 personnel, including divers, inflatable boats, and helicopters, have been deployed to search for survivors. The Coast Guard is also assisting, and the rescue efforts continue despite strong winds, icy waters, and murky visibility.
“We are now at the point where we are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation,” Washington fire chief John Donnelly said at a Thursday morning news conference. “We don’t believe there are any survivors.”
US-Russian Figure Skating Community onboard
Among the victims, there were reports that several members of the US figure skating community were on board the doomed flight, including Russian pair skating champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Russia’s government confirmed that its citizens were involved in the crash.
President Trump reacts: 'Why didn't the helicopter go up or down?'
President Donald Trump took to social media to express his concerns about the crash, questioning why the helicopter did not take evasive action despite clear weather conditions. He pointed out that the plane was following its designated approach path and expressed frustration at the situation, calling it a “bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented.”

Tension before impact in audio
CNN obtained air traffic control audio capturing the tense moments before the collision. The exchange between controllers and helicopter pilots revealed growing confusion as the aircraft neared each other.
In the minutes leading up to the crash, air traffic controllers asked American Airlines Flight 5342 if it could land on a shorter runway. The pilots agreed, and flight tracking data showed the plane adjusting its approach accordingly.
Less than 30 seconds before impact, a controller radioed a helicopter, asking if it had the arriving plane in sight. Moments later, another call followed: “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.” There was no reply. Seconds later, the two aircraft collided.
Ongoing concerns at Reagan airport
The fatal midair collision near Washington, DC's Reagan National Airport has reignited concerns over the addition of longer-distance flights. CNN reports that some Senate Democrats had strongly opposed the measure, warning it could increase safety risks and congestion in the already crowded airspace.
The controversial expansion was part of the aviation bill approved in May, which also allocated significant funding to enhance safety and infrastructure. Senators, including Chris Van Hollen and Tim Kaine, argued that the move would exacerbate known congestion and safety issues at the airport, already operating above capacity.
Airport closure
In the aftermath of the crash, Ronald Reagan National Airport was closed until at least 11 am ET on Thursday. The airport, usually bustling with activity, has been filled with a somber atmosphere.