On January 29, 2025, a tragic mid-air collision occurred over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.
This devastating accident resulted in the loss of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft, marking the deadliest U.S. air disaster since 2001.
Impact on Kansas Families
Among the victims were several individuals from Kansas, whose untimely deaths have deeply affected their local communities.
The Collision Details
American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was en route from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
As the Bombardier CRJ701ER aircraft was on its final approach, it collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter conducting a training mission.
The collision caused both aircraft to crash into the Potomac River, resulting in the deaths of all 64 passengers and crew members on the plane, as well as the three soldiers aboard the helicopter.
Victims from Kansas
| Name | Age | Hometown | Occupation/Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiah Duggins | 30 | Wichita | Civil rights attorney; former Miss Butler County; Harvard Law School graduate. |
| Grace Maxwell | 20 | Wichita | Mechanical engineering student at Cedarville University; remembered for her devotion to others. |
| Lindsey (Carter) Fields | 40 | Wichita | Biology professor at Butler Community College; president-elect of the National Association of Biology Teachers. |
| Bob Schrock | 58 | Kiowa | President of Premium Grain; transformed family farm into a thriving agriculture business. |
| Lori (Girard) Schrock | 56 | Kiowa | Vice president of Premium Grain; involved in St. John the Apostle Catholic Church. |
| Pete “PJ” Diaz | 30 | Valley Center | Aviation professional; known for his love of travel. |
| Dustin Miller | 43 | El Dorado | IT professional; avid outdoorsman and Kansas City Chiefs fan. |
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
In the aftermath of the collision, federal and local authorities initiated a unified command to manage recovery and investigative operations.
By January 30, bodies from the crash had begun to be recovered, including flight manual pages and parts of the aircraft.
On January 31, investigators located the helicopter’s black box and began reviewing data. By February 4, the remains of all 67 victims were recovered and identified. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities analyzing data to determine the cause of the collision.
National and Global Mourning
The tragedy has resonated deeply across the nation and the world. Among the passengers were 28 U.S. Figure Skating athletes, coaches, and family members returning from a national development camp held in conjunction with the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
This included eleven skaters, aged 11-16, plus thirteen parents and four coaches. The loss has been particularly poignant for the figure skating community, reminiscent of the 1961 crash that claimed the lives of the U.S. Figure Skating team.
Community Support and Memorials
In response to the tragedy, various organizations have established funds to support the victims’ families and honor the deceased.
U.S. Figure Skating has created a memorial fund to assist the families affected by the crash. Additionally, local communities in Kansas have organized vigils and memorial services to pay tribute to their lost members.
The January 29 collision over the Potomac River has left an indelible mark on countless families and communities, both in Kansas and beyond.
As investigations continue, the collective grief serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in the face of tragedy.
