On January 29, a PSA Airlines aircraft collided mid-air with a Black Hawk helicopter carrying three U.S. soldiers. The plane, en route to Washington, D.C., carried 60 passengers and four crew members. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River, marking the deadliest U.S. air crash since 2001.

Data from the black box revealed that Captain Jonathan Campos and First Officer Samuel Lilley, flying at 140 mph, desperately attempted to lift the plane moments before impact. Discrepancies between the flight recorder and control tower data suggest the helicopter may have exceeded its permitted altitude.

Campos’ uncle recalled speaking with him just before takeoff, unaware it would be their final conversation. “He was happy, excited for a cruise next week,” he said. The tragedy cut short not only lives but also a long-planned family reunion.