Tragedy in the Potomac: A Stark Reminder of the Risks of Flight

  Last night, a helicopter and airplane collided, and both of them plummeted into the frigid water of the Potomac River. This disaster occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport which caused shockwaves throughout the country. An American Airlines regional jet with 64 passengers onboard, along with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, both plummeted into the water and with this tragedy, we are reminded of the risks that aviation poses even with the advanced technology in place today. While the details from the incident are still emerging, it has been reported that the American Airlines plane collided with the helicopter while making its final approach to the airport. The doors of the Black Hawk had three armed soldiers onboard and were involved in a training exercise during the time of collision. Furthermore, the severity of the loss of life combined with the proximity of the incident to the nation's capital has caused even more alarm. Emergency services responded promptl...