U.S. Army helicopter collided with a descending American Airlines passenger plane over the Potomac River en route to the Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. There were no survivors. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — which is experiencing a severe vacancy of top leadership positions — has come under fire for suspected negligence amid a staffing and funding deficit.

Here's a look at how the tragedy unfolded, as the cause of the collision remains under investigation. MORE: DC plane crash live updates Wednesday, Jan. 29 5:38 p.m. CT: American Airlines Flight 5342 departs from Wichita,