I still can’t believe the American Airlines plane crash audio that’s been circulating—it’s downright chilling. One moment, everything seems business as usual, and the next, two aircraft collide in midair, sending pieces of wreckage into the frigid Potomac River. Hearing the distressed voices and shocked gasps made it all feel painfully real.
A Catastrophe at Reagan National
The nightmare unfolded near Reagan National Airport, forcing an immediate shutdown of all operations until at least 11 a.m. ET. Officials say the American Airlines commuter jet, Flight 5342, had 60 passengers and four crew on board. Meanwhile, a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers was on a routine training flight. By the time rescuers arrived, both were submerged in the freezing river. At the time of reporting, there were no confirmed survivors, and families clung to hope while the world watched in shock.
