A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and American Eagle Flight 5342 collided mid-air over the Potomac River near Washington Reagan Airport. The plane crash killed 67 people, including three helicopter crew members and 64 jet passengers. The Black Hawk, from Fort Belvoir, was on a training mission for government continuity. Both aircraft followed standard paths, but the helicopter might have exceeded 200 feet. Investigators believe the altitude violation may have contributed to the tragic accident.
Here are 10 important facts about the crashed Black Hawk, its capabilities, and mission.
Model and Manufacturer
The crashed helicopter was a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, made by Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky. It is a widely used military helicopter, with around 5,000 in service worldwide.
Long operational history
The Black Hawk entered service in 1979 and participated in major US military operations. It was used in the 2011 bin Laden raid and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The helicopter is also famous for its depiction in the movie Black Hawk Down.
Military variants
Different Black Hawk models serve the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. It can be modified for intelligence gathering, troop transport, and casualty evacuation.
Crew and experience
The crashed helicopter carried three Army crew members, including two experienced pilots and a crew chief. One pilot had 1,000 flight hours, the other 500, while the crew chief sat in the back.
Base and operation
The helicopter, based at Fort Belvoir, was on a training mission over Washington, D.C. The mission was for government continuity planning in case of national crises.
Route and altitude
The Black Hawk followed a known flight path near the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Military helicopters on this route must stay below 200 feet for safety reasons. President Trump later revealed the helicopter was flying above the allowed altitude.
Training flight purpose
The crew’s training flight familiarized them with the route for evacuating key US officials. This training prepared them for potential emergencies or attacks on Washington, D.C.
Familiarity with the route
Both pilots were familiar with the flight path, including night-time flights. The route often passes over the busy Washington Reagan Airport with heavy air traffic.
Safety and investigation
Army and aviation officials confirmed the crew’s experience and clear flight conditions. The crash is under investigation, focusing on the helicopter’s altitude and collision with the jet.
Role in US Aviation
The Black Hawk is vital for the US Army, transporting officials and conducting missions. It operates in high-traffic airspace, particularly around the nation’s capital.

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