Photo: Getty Images
Chilling new video obtained and shared by CNN Friday (January 31) morning shows the clearest view yet of the deadly collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and a black hawk helicopter over Ronald Reagan International Airport in Washington, D.C.
The footage, which was recorded on cellphones, show the military chopper explode into pieces with large chunks of debris crashing into the Potomac River. The first clip shows the helicopter flying at speed over the river with red flashing lights on its tail and body and a green light on its nose entering from the left side of the screen as the plane flies in from the right side.
The two aircrafts collide, resulting in an explosion with the airliner spinning toward the river just before impact and the helicopter falling toward the water with its flashing lights still visible. The second clip, which appears to have been shot from the airport, also shows the airliner attempt to descend toward the airport runway, but from the left side, before colliding with the helicopter above the river.
The two aircrafts flew at a low altitude prior to the collision and explosion that resulted in both crashing into the river. First responders are treating the collision as a rescue mission as officials "don't believe there are any survivors," among the suspected 64 passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 5324 and three soldiers on the Army helicopter, District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly said during a news briefing Thursday (January 30) morning via CBS News.
The exclusive footage shared by CNN can be accessed on its website.