Figure Skater’s Final Photo Before Tragic D.C. Plane Crash

A devastating midair collision near Washington, D.C., has left the figure skating community in mourning.

The crash involved an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life.

Deadly Midair Collision Over Potomac River

On January 29, American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, departed from Wichita, Kansas, en route to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Tragically, while approaching its destination, the aircraft collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter carrying three military personnel.

The impact sent both aircraft plunging into the icy waters of the Potomac River.

Authorities have recovered 28 bodies—27 from the passenger jet and one from the helicopter.

Due to the challenging conditions, including freezing temperatures and strong currents, search teams have transitioned from a rescue to a recovery operation.

Skating Champions Among the Victims

The U.S. Figure Skating Association confirmed that multiple members of the figure skating community were among those on board. Former world champions and esteemed coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were traveling with a group of young athletes and their families after attending the National Development Camp in Wichita.\

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Ludmila Velikova, their longtime coach, expressed relief that their son, Maxim Naumov, was not on the flight.

However, the loss of the couple, who had dedicated decades to training future skaters, has deeply impacted the sport.

Young skater Spencer Lane, a rising star selected for the camp, had shared his excitement about the experience on social media.

Just hours before the crash, he posted a photo from inside the plane, showing the aircraft’s wing as it prepared for takeoff. His joy in reaching this milestone has now turned into a heartbreaking memory.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

Early reports indicate that the PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 was making a normal approach when it collided with the descending Black Hawk. Experts suggest that limitations of the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) below 700 feet may have played a role.

Veteran pilot Doug Rice noted that at such low altitudes, automated systems may not have prevented the crash.

Recovery teams have retrieved one of the aircraft’s black boxes, though it is unclear whether it is the flight data recorder or the cockpit voice recorder.

Officials and Leaders Respond

Government leaders have expressed condolences and concerns over the crash. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, questioning how the collision occurred on a clear night and why air traffic control did not intervene in time.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration is monitoring the situation, while Vice President JD Vance urged the public to pray for those affected.

Rescue operations continue in the frigid Potomac, with over 300 emergency personnel braving harsh conditions to recover remains and debris.

For more information, visit https://t.co/ECDOdj1kdr. pic.twitter.com/Z5vWq4vUJ2

— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) January 30, 2025

Oficials warn that survival chances in such extreme temperatures are minimal.

A Community in Mourning

The figure skating world has been left devastated by this unimaginable tragedy.

Fans, athletes, and coaches have taken to social media to express their grief and honor those lost. The U.S. Figure Skating Association released a statement expressing their deep sorrow:

“We are heartbroken by this tragedy and extend our deepest sympathies to the victims’ families.