Close Call Reported Near Reagan National Day Before Deadly Mid-Air Crash

Just a day before the devastating collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport, another close call occurred in the same airspace, raising concerns about flight safety in the area.

According to an air traffic control recording, Republic Airways Flight 4514 had to abort its initial landing attempt at Reagan National after a helicopter appeared near its flight path. The aircraft, operated by Republic Airways, successfully landed after making a second approach, as confirmed by flight tracking data.

The following day, tragedy struck. Officials confirmed that there were no survivors in the mid-air crash between the American Eagle flight and the Army helicopter. D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly announced Thursday that emergency teams had recovered 27 bodies from the plane and one from the helicopter, with recovery efforts continuing throughout the day.

The American Eagle aircraft, operated by PSA Airlines under the American Airlines banner, was en route from Wichita to Reagan National with 60 passengers and four crew members on board. The Army Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a training mission with three service members aboard when the collision occurred.

Authorities are investigating both incidents as they work to determine whether systemic issues in air traffic control, flight operations, or other factors contributed to the fatal crash.