Two former World Champion figure skaters, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were tragically killed in a midair collision between an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter near Washington, D.C. The pair were returning from a figure skating development camp when the crash occurred on Wednesday night. The couple were highly regarded in the figure skating community, having won the pairs title at the 1994 World Championships.
Authorities believe that all 31 people onboard both aircraft did not survive the crash. The incident occurred just three miles south of the White House and the Capitol, making it one of the most controlled airspaces in the world. The crash has prompted a massive response from first responders, with rescue boats sent out to search the Potomac River.
Both aircraft involved in the collision, the American Airlines regional jet and the UH-60 Blackhawk military helicopter, were on approach to Reagan National Airport. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with air traffic controller communication being a key focus. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently examining the incident.
This tragic event has rocked the figure skating and aviation communities, sparking an outpouring of support for the victims and their families. The Skating Club of Boston, where Shishkova and Naumov were coaches, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. All eyes are on the investigatory process to uncover the circumstances that led to this devastating incident.
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