The crash and rescue on the icy river connecting Washington, DC and Virginia had similarities to this one. Five of the 79 aboard the flight survived.

Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River. 78 passengers, cabin crew members and motorists died. Just five people survived, and only three are still alive to witness news of the American Airlines plane that collided with a U.

The aviation disaster near Washington DC has brought up memories of another crash into the Potomac River 43 years ago – the Air Florida Flight 90. The search at the crash site of the American Airlines plane and US military Black Hawk helicopter has turned into a recovery operation after officials said they don’t ‘believe there are any survivors.