A passenger jet carrying 64 people collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, federal aviation officials confirmed.
The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. ET as the aircraft, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, was approaching the runway for landing.
PWhile there was no immediate confirmation of casualties, the accident is being described as one of the most significant aviation disasters in U.S. airspace in over a decade.
American Airlines reported that Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-700, had 60 passengers and four crew members on board when the collision happened.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts,” the airline stated.
The U.S. Army confirmed that the Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers on board and was operating out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Footage from a webcam at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts showed a small aircraft—presumed to be the helicopter—colliding with the passenger jet at low altitude, followed by a bright explosion. Radar tracking data suggests the jet may have crashed into the Potomac River.
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DC Fire and EMS confirmed that emergency crews, including helicopters and fireboats, were searching the river for survivors.
“There are multiple partner agencies coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River,” DC Fire and EMS and the Metropolitan Police Department said in a joint statement.
The airspace around Reagan National Airport is known for its complex flight paths, with tight restrictions due to its proximity to key government buildings. The area is frequently busy with police and military helicopters.
In a statement from the White House, President Trump addressed the tragedy:
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
This marks one of the most serious aviation accidents in the U.S. since 2009 when a Colgan Air flight crashed near Buffalo, killing 50 people.