WASHINGTON, DC. – A devastating midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night has resulted in a crash into the Potomac River, with no survivors expected.
The American Airlines jet, Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the Black Hawk helicopter, which was carrying three soldiers from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, during a training exercise. The crash occurred around 9 p.m. ET.
READ: Frigid Potomac River Waters Pose Hypothermia Risks In Wake Of Plane Crash Near Washington, D.C.
D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly confirmed early Thursday morning that the rescue operation had transitioned to a recovery operation, stating, “At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident.” He noted that 27 people had been recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter.
The impact of the collision sent both aircraft plunging into the frigid Potomac River. A massive rescue operation was launched immediately, involving approximately 300 personnel. Search efforts continued throughout the night and into Thursday morning, hampered by cold temperatures in the mid-30s and near-freezing water temperatures.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that “everything was standard” leading up to the crash, with both the jet and the helicopter following standard flight patterns. Visibility was reportedly good at the time, with light winds. The helicopter was instructed to maintain visual separation from the plane, a common procedure. Duffy declined to speculate on the cause of the collision but acknowledged that the crash was likely preventable.
Wreckage from both aircraft has been located, including the fuselage of the American Airlines jet, which was found in three sections in waist-deep water. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Among those on board the American Airlines flight were members of a figure skating group returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, including skaters, coaches, and their families. Russian figure skaters and other citizens were also confirmed to be on the flight.
The airport is expected to remain closed until 11 a.m. ET.
This crash marks a rare occurrence of a fatal commercial aircraft crash in the U.S. The last such incident was in 2009 near Buffalo, N.Y. This collision is the worst air tragedy in the D.C. area since the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crash.
ORIGINAL REPORT: A passenger aircraft has crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport outside of Washington, D.C., following a midair collision with a US Army Blackhawk (H-60) helicopter, according to US defense officials.
The collision happened around 9:00 pm Wednesday, and according to officials, 60 passengers and four crew members were on board the aircraft.
The plane involved was American Airlines Flight 5342, which departed from Wichita, Kansas, earlier on Wednesday. According to officials, there were three service members onboard the Blackhawk helicopter.
“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,” said President Trump in a statement.
“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!” said Trump.
Reagan National Airport has halted all takeoffs and landings and confirmed that “emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open,” in a post on X.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump has been informed about an incident involving a military helicopter and a regional jet near Washington DC’s DCA airport, during a brief interview with Sean Hannity on FOX News Wednesday night.
“There are many agencies that are working on this response right now, both federal and local law enforcement are working together on the ground, to try to save as many lives as possible. And the President will continue to monitor this situation,” Leavitt said, urging the public to remain calm and follow guidance from law enforcement as they work to respond to the situation.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire Trump administration are with all those involved,” Leavitt said.
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