Fatal collision between a commercial airplane and a military helicopter in Washington D.C.

U.S. authorities are engaged in a complex investigation following the tragic accident that occurred early Thursday morning when a commercial airplane collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River, near Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington D.C. This incident has raised a series of questions, particularly regarding the decisions made by the pilots and the control tower in the moments leading up to the crash.

The accident took place around 9:00 PM on Wednesday when the Bombardier CRJ700 regional plane from PSA Airlines, carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members, was in the landing phase. At that moment, a Black Hawk military helicopter, carrying three military personnel, approached the area, resulting in a fatal collision. So far, authorities have begun a thorough search in the cold and dark waters of the Potomac, although hopes of finding survivors are dwindling.

The Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a training flight along a usual route for military aircraft, which often operate in proximity to commercial planes in the area. Aviation experts have explained that such flights are common to familiarize pilots with the congested air traffic surrounding the nation's capital. However, the lingering question is why the helicopter was unable to avoid the collision, despite the pilot informing the control tower that he had the airplane in sight.

An audio recording released by authorities shows the last moments of communication between the control tower and the helicopter pilot. Thirty seconds before the impact, the air traffic controller confirms that the pilot sees the airplane and instructs him to pass behind it. However, just thirteen seconds after this conversation, the crash occurred. This series of events has led the administration to question whether sufficient preventive measures were taken to avoid the accident.

Former President Donald Trump has been one of the most vocal critics regarding the incident, pointing to both the helicopter and the control tower as responsible. In his statement, he highlighted the clarity of the night and the visibility of the airplane, questioning why the helicopter could not maneuver to avoid the collision. Despite his comments, investigators continue to work on gathering data and testimonies to clarify the incident.

In terms of air traffic, Washington D.C. presents an exceptionally congested environment, with three airports serving the region and multiple military bases nearby. Aviation authorities have indicated that both the airplane and the helicopter were following standard flight patterns, further complicating the interpretation of the events that led to the disaster.

Rescue operations have been hampered by harsh weather conditions. More than 300 personnel are on the ground, facing cold temperatures and strong winds that hinder the search in the river. Authorities have acknowledged that conditions are challenging, with dark and murky water making visibility virtually nonexistent for divers trying to locate the wreckage.

As hours pass, the search for survivors has turned into a recovery operation. Authorities have recovered several bodies but have expressed pessimism about the possibility of finding anyone alive at this point. Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly has stated that the situation is critical and that the rescue team is doing everything possible under very difficult circumstances.

In this context, the community is mourning the lost lives and is awaiting answers regarding what happened. The investigation will focus on determining whether all necessary safety measures were taken and whether air traffic in the area can be improved to prevent future incidents. The tragedy highlights the inherent risks of aerial activity in congested areas and the challenges faced by both pilots and air traffic controllers in managing this complex situation.

As recovery efforts progress and the investigation continues, the nation stands in solidarity with the affected families, remembering those who lost their lives in this tragic accident. Answers to the lingering questions may take time, but the need to improve safety in Washington's airspace is more urgent than ever.