Air traffic controller audio captures moments before and after Washington plane crash

Debris is seen at the site of the crash, after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River, U.S. January 30, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Air traffic control audio recorded the moments before and after an American Airlines regional passenger jet crashed with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in a midair collision over Washington on Wednesday night.

Audio from LiveATC.net, a respected source for in-flight recording, captured the final communications between the three crew members of the helicopter - call sign PAT25 - before it collided with the CRJ700 Bombardier jet carrying 64 passengers and crew.