Washington, D.C.: A tragic aviation accident occurred late Wednesday as an American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter before crashing into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Emergency responders, including fireboats and multiple rescue teams, are currently on the scene conducting search and recovery operations.
Incident Details: According to reports from AP News, American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines under the American Eagle brand, was attempting to land at Reagan National Airport when it crashed into a military Black Hawk helicopter. The aircraft was inbound from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), carrying approximately 60 passengers.
Eyewitness footage circulating on social media captured the moment of impact between the plane and the helicopter before the aircraft plummeted into the Potomac River.
Government Response and Investigation: The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C., confirmed the crash via social media, stating that a multi-agency rescue operation was underway.
The White House addressed the situation, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the matter. “It appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet,” she stated during a Fox News broadcast.
Additionally, U.S. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the incident, stating on social media, “We’re monitoring the situation, but for now, let’s hope for the best.”
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, expressed concern, mentioning that he had been informed about the Wichita-bound aircraft’s involvement in the crash.
Airport and Flight Operations Disrupted: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the airspace collision. Meanwhile, all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport have been temporarily halted as emergency personnel manage the crisis.
American Airlines released an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“We’re aware of reports that American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, with service from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington Reagan National Airport, has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.”
Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts: Emergency response teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard, D.C. Fire Department, and local law enforcement, are actively searching for survivors. Divers and rescue boats have been deployed to locate possible victims and recover wreckage from the river.
Authorities urge the public to avoid the area while rescue operations continue. Further updates are expected as officials investigate the cause of the accident and assess potential casualties.
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