An eyewitness has recalled the moments before an American Airlines plane collided with an army helicopter last night (January 29).

The midair crash involved 67 people, including 60 passengers, four crew members, and three soldiers. The Black Hawk helicopter was on a training exercise, while the commercial flight was departing from Wichita, Kansas, en route to Washington, DC.

Eyewitness Ari Schulman described seeing the plane’s normal approach before it suddenly veered sharply, emitting sparks.

So far, 19 bodies have reportedly been recovered from the Potomac River. DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said difficult conditions, including ice and darkness, are hampering recovery efforts.