American Airlines plane crash: From 9/11 to the mid-air collision in Washington, a look at deadly US airline disasters since 2001

An American Airlines regional passenger jet collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night. Officials have confirmed the incident, though details about casualties remain unclear.

American Airlines plane crash: Statement from Authorities

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas stated on social media, "we know there are fatalities," but did not specify the number of victims. Further investigations are underway to determine the cause and impact of the collision.

Past Deadly Airline Crashes in the U.S.

According to data from the U.S. National Transportation Board and the Flight Safety Foundation's Aviation Safety Network, the U.S. has witnessed several deadly airline crashes over the years. Here are the most significant incidents:


2009: A Colgan Air turboprop crashed while approaching Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 passengers and one person on the ground.

2006: A Comair regional jet overran the runway during takeoff in Lexington, Kentucky, resulting in 49 fatalities out of 50 passengers.

2005: A Chalk’s Ocean Airways turboprop crashed after taking off from Miami, Florida, killing all 20 on board.

2004: A Corporate Airlines turboprop crashed on approach in Kirksville, Missouri, killing 13 of 15 people.

2003: A US Airways Express turboprop crashed after taking off from Charlotte, North Carolina, killing all 21 people.

November 2001: An American Airlines jet crashed after departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport, killing all 260 passengers and five people on the ground.

September 11, 2001: Four hijacked commercial jets caused massive casualties:

One American Airlines jet crashed into the World Trade Center, killing 92 on board and around 1,600 on the ground.

Another United Airlines jet hit the World Trade Center, killing 65 on board and approximately 900 on the ground.

An American Airlines jet crashed into the Pentagon, killing 64 on board and 125 on the ground.

A United Airlines jet crashed into a Pennsylvania field, killing all 44 on board.

Ongoing InvestigationAuthorities continue to assess the mid-air collision involving the American Airlines regional jet and the Black Hawk helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.