WASHINGTON, D.C. — The international figure skating community has been devastated by the tragic crash of American Eagle Flight 5342, which plunged into the icy waters of the Potomac River while attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Among the 64 passengers aboard the ill-fated flight, at least 14 were competitive figure skaters, including Russian world champions in pair skating Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as well as their son, Maxim Naumov, a U.S. national competitor.

The flight, operated by PSA Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, following the conclusion of the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The skaters, who had been competing and attending the National Development Camp (NDC), were traveling back to Washington, D.C., when disaster struck.

As of the latest updates, 19 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, but officials fear that the death toll will rise as search and recovery operations continue. The fate of the remaining passengers, including multiple young skaters and their coaches, remains uncertain.

A Shockwave Through the Figure Skating Community

The Russian news agencies TASS and RIA reported that Maxim Naumov, 23, was believed to be on board the aircraft. Naumov, a rising star in U.S. figure skating, had recently competed in the U.S. championships held in Wichita from January 20-26. His parents, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, had been traveling with him as part of his coaching team.

 

Shishkova and Naumov, world champions in pair skating in 1994 and widely regarded as icons of Russian figure skating, had relocated to the United States in the late 1990s, where they worked as coaches and choreographers. Their presence on the doomed flight has sent shockwaves through both the Russian and U.S. skating federations.

“We are devastated by the loss of some of our most talented athletes and mentors,” the Russian Figure Skating Federation said in a statement. “The world of figure skating has lost incredible talent, and our hearts go out to their families.”

U.S. Figure Skating echoed the sentiments, stating, “Our entire community is in mourning. We have lost bright young skaters, dedicated coaches, and cherished members of our sport. We are in contact with the families and will provide support in any way we can.”

The Flight and the Crash: What We Know So Far

American Eagle Flight 5342, an Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, departed from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) at 6:42 p.m. CST and was scheduled to land in Washington, D.C. (DCA) at approximately 9:15 p.m. EST.

At 8:48 p.m., air traffic controllers at Reagan National lost contact with the aircraft. Moments later, multiple witnesses reported seeing a fireball in the sky, followed by a massive splash as the plane crashed into the Potomac River. Initial reports suggest a possible mid-air collision with an Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter, though the exact cause remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Newly released images from local news outlets and first responders show sections of the fuselage partially submerged, with emergency divers working through freezing temperatures to recover victims and search for possible survivors.

Rescue and Recovery Efforts Continue

Hundreds of emergency personnel, including members of the Metropolitan Police Department, D.C. Fire and EMS, and U.S. Coast Guard, have been deployed to the crash site.

Despite the ongoing efforts, no survivors have been confirmed yet. The frigid waters, estimated at 36°F, significantly reduce survival time for anyone submerged. Divers have reported that several victims were found still strapped to their seats inside the wreckage, making the recovery process especially harrowing.

Hamaad Raza, whose wife was onboard the flight, expressed his anguish in an interview with local media, stating, “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the Potomac River right now. The wait for news is unbearable.”

Families Await News Amid Uncertainty

At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, distraught families have gathered in the waiting area, desperate for information about their loved ones. Airline officials and grief counselors are on hand to provide updates, though many families have expressed frustration at the lack of definitive answers.

“We just need to know if our son is alive,” said Irina Volkova, the mother of another young skater believed to be on the flight. “No one should have to go through this kind of uncertainty.”

Investigation Underway: What Comes Next?

The NTSB has dispatched a full team of investigators to analyze flight data, air traffic control communications, and wreckage evidence. The FBI’s Washington Field Office has also joined the probe, though officials have stated that there is currently no indication of terrorism or foul play.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the tragedy in a late-night press conference, stating, “We are committed to a full and transparent investigation. Every effort is being made to recover victims and determine the cause of this devastating crash.”

Meanwhile, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has pledged full cooperation with investigators and support for the families affected.

“We extend our deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this horrific event. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire skating community. We will do everything we can to assist during this difficult time.”

A Sport in Mourning

Tributes from the global skating community have poured in following the news of the tragedy.

Russian Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko posted on social media, “I cannot believe this news. Vadim and Evgenia were my friends and mentors, and my heart is breaking for their son, Maxim. We have lost true legends today.”

American skater and Olympic medalist Nathan Chen expressed his grief, writing, “Absolutely heartbroken. Maxim was a kind and talented skater with so much ahead of him. This is a devastating loss for our sport.”

A moment of silence will be held at upcoming international competitions, and U.S. Figure Skating has announced plans for a memorial event to honor the lives lost.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation continues and families brace for more heart-wrenching news, the figure skating world will forever remember those who were lost in this tragedy.

The search for answers will take time, but the memories of Evgenia Shishkova, Vadim Naumov, Maxim Naumov, and the other skaters aboard Flight 5342 will remain etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved them