
Washington, D.C.: A regional American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday evening, resulting in multiple fatalities, U.S. officials confirmed.
Crash Details
The collision occurred around 9 p.m. local time, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River near the airport. The American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet with 60 passengers and four crew members on board. The Black Hawk helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60, was on a training mission from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and carried three Army soldiers at the time of the crash.
Search and Rescue Operation Underway
A multi-agency search and rescue effort is ongoing, led by D.C. police, fireboats, and emergency response teams. Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities, and several bodies have been recovered from the river. So far, no survivors have been found, according to sources.
Investigations and Official Responses
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft collided midair as the PSA Airlines jet was approaching the airport. The Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a routine training flight, according to Joint Task Force-National Capital Region spokesperson Heather Chairez.
The crash has led to the closure of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport until at least Friday at 5 a.m., per the FAA.
Officials React to the Tragedy
President Donald Trump released a statement Wednesday night, saying, “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you to our first responders for their incredible work. I am monitoring the situation.”
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also addressed the tragedy, stating, “Extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts. First responders from across Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland have mobilized quickly. I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crew, their families, and our brave first responders.”
Meanwhile, the FBI Washington Field Office has deployed its National Capital Response Squad to assist law enforcement agencies in the ongoing operation.
Harsh Conditions Impacting Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations are being complicated by harsh weather conditions, with Potomac River water temperatures at approximately 36°F (2°C) and winds gusting at 25 to 30 mph.
This marks the first major commercial airplane crash in the U.S. since the Colgan Air crash near Buffalo, New York, in 2009. Further updates will follow as authorities continue their investigation.