Midair Collision Over Potomac River Results in Fatal Plane Crash Near Washington, D.C.
A tragic midair collision over the Potomac River led to a fatal plane crash near Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2025. Search teams are battling freezing conditions as authorities assess the full scope of the disaster. Among those reportedly on board were world-champion athletes returning from a major event.
Commercial Jet Collides with Military Helicopter
A commercial passenger jet carrying 64 people crashed into the river after colliding midair with a military helicopter while approaching Reagan National Airport. The aircraft had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was only minutes from landing when the accident occurred.
The collision caused an explosion, sending the plane into the river at 8:53 p.m. The number of survivors remains uncertain, though officials fear there may be none. Onboard were several figure skaters, coaches, and family members returning from a U.S. Figure Skating development camp.
Crash Details and Rescue Operations
At 8:47 p.m., a live webcam at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts reportedly captured the moment of impact, showing a fireball followed by a smoke trail. Witnesses immediately alerted authorities, prompting a swift emergency response.
The passenger jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military helicopter from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, had three soldiers on board. Rescue efforts commenced immediately, with approximately 300 emergency responders working through the night in hazardous conditions.
Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly described the scene as “highly complex,” citing strong winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility in the dark waters. By early Thursday, January 30, 2025, at least 19 bodies had been recovered, though the total number of fatalities remains unknown.
Figure Skating Community in Mourning
U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that multiple athletes, coaches, and family members were on board. “We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” the organization said in a statement.
A source indicated that as many as 15 individuals linked to figure skating were among the passengers, including world-champion skaters Vadim Naumov and his wife, Evgenia Shishkova. Reports suggest their son, Maxim Naumov, a competitive skater who recently participated in the U.S. Championships in Wichita, may also have been aboard. Former competitive skater and Washington Figure Skating Club coach Inna Volyanskaya was also named among the victims.
Remembering Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova
Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova began skating together in 1985, eventually winning the 1994 World Championship in pairs figure skating. They finished as runners-up in 1995 before transitioning to professional careers. After retiring from competition, the couple moved to the United States, where they became coaches, mentoring young skaters and shaping the future of the sport.
Public Reactions
The figure skating community expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy. Fans took to social media to share their grief, with one person writing, “I remember them competing. What a tragedy.” Another added, “May they all rest in peace.”
A third user recalled Maxim Naumov’s recent participation in the U.S. Championships, posting, “Naumov is one of our U.S. figure skaters who just recently competed in the nationals in Wichita. This is so sad.”
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and military officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. All takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport were temporarily halted following the crash.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the public, stating, “We are going to recover our fellow citizens,” though she declined to provide an exact number of bodies recovered.
Search-and-recovery efforts are expected to continue for several days due to the complexity of the crash site. Authorities have yet to release a final passenger list or confirm the total number of fatalities.
This is a developing story. Officials are expected to release further details as the investigation continues.
