The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release more details in the coming days.
American Airlines jet carrying 64 collides with helicopter, crashes in Washington. A devastating mid-air collision occurred Wednesday night near Reagan Washington National Airport, involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The collision led to both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River, with multiple bodies pulled from the water, though no survivors have been confirmed so far.
According to officials, American Airlines confirmed that the regional jet, operating as Flight 5342, was a PSA Airlines CRJ700, with 64 people on board, including 60 passengers and four crew members. The U.S. Army reported that three soldiers were aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, which had departed from Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Witnesses reported seeing a mid-air explosion around 9:47 pm, as the aircraft descended rapidly into the river. Emergency personnel from various agencies swiftly mobilized for a search and rescue operation along the Potomac, as dozens of police, ambulance, and rescue units were stationed by the water’s edge.
At Reagan National Airport, family and friends of the passengers gathered, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. One emotional witness, unable to confirm whether her relative was aboard, collapsed in tears.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz acknowledged the incident on social media, confirming the fatalities but did not disclose an exact number. President Donald Trump also issued a statement, offering condolences and praising the efforts of first responders.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the collision occurred while the regional jet was on its final approach to Reagan. In the aftermath, all flights at the airport were halted as emergency teams responded. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the accident, while American Airlines has promised to provide further information as it becomes available.
This incident marks the first fatal U.S. passenger airplane accident since 2009, a year in which a crash in New York claimed 50 lives. The tragedy has reignited concerns about aviation safety, particularly after a series of near-miss incidents in recent years. Additionally, the FAA’s recent leadership changes and staffing challenges have raised questions about the agency’s ability to handle growing safety concerns.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release more details in the coming days.
