Tragic accident near Reagan National Airport
Several prominent American figure skaters, coaches, and their families were on board American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport on the evening of January 29, 2025. The crash occurred around 9 p.m. as the aircraft, en route from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching the runway.
Horrifying footage captured the moment of impact, showing a massive orange fireball illuminating the night sky before debris fell into the Potomac River. Authorities have since recovered at least 19 bodies, and search and rescue efforts remain ongoing.
Figure skaters and coaches among passengers
The skaters on board had recently participated in the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, which ran from January 20 to 26. Many were returning home following the competition.
Among them was Spencer Lane, a rising star in the figure skating community, who posted a photo of the aircraft’s right wing just before takeoff. His post simply read, “ICT [to] DCA,” referring to the airport codes for Wichita Eisenhower and Reagan National.
“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,” US Figure Skating said in a statement.
World champion skaters Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova on board
Husband and wife figure skating champions Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova were reportedly among the passengers, according to Russian state media. The pair, who won gold in pair skating at the 1994 World Championships, have been coaching their son, Maxim Naumov, who placed fourth in the Men’s Free Skate Championship event at Nationals.
Just days before the crash, the couple had expressed their pride in Maxim’s performance. “Once again, Maxim made us all proud, getting onto the podium at Nationals after 7th place in the short. This beautiful and emotional performance is a result of teamwork,” they wrote on Instagram.
It remains unclear whether their son was also on board the ill-fated flight.
Skating community mourns devastating loss
The International Skating Union (ISU), the worldwide governing body for figure skating, expressed shock over the tragedy.
“We are heartbroken to learn that figure skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, are understood to be among those on board,” the ISU wrote on X. “Figure skating is more than a sport—it’s a close-knit family—and we stand together.”
US skater Luke Wang also reacted to the news, writing, “Praying for all those on the flight from Wichita to DC. Among the passengers were skaters and coaches. Absolutely heartbreaking.”
Ilia Malinin, the reigning Men’s Free Skate champion, added his own message of support: “I hope and pray for everyone who was on that flight is ok. God Bless,” he wrote on Instagram.
Details of the mid-air collision
American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operated by PSA Airlines, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it collided with a Black Hawk UH-60 helicopter carrying three military personnel. The impact occurred as the plane was approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport.
The severity of the crash left little hope for survivors. Emergency crews have recovered at least 19 bodies from the Potomac River, officials told CBS News.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation, with air traffic control records indicating that multiple warnings were issued before the impact.
As authorities continue their recovery efforts, the skating world and the families of those on board remain in mourning over this devastating loss.
