A tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has left the nation in shock and prompted calls for prayer from top officials.
At a Glance
- An American Airlines passenger plane collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport
- The incident involved a jet carrying 64 civilians and an Army Black Hawk helicopter
- A massive search-and-rescue operation was launched in the Potomac River
- President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have been briefed on the accident
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating the collision
Tragic Collision Near Nation’s Capital
In a devastating incident that has shaken the aviation community, an American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The collision involved American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, which was carrying 64 civilians, and a military helicopter on a training flight from Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the collision, stating, “A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines.”
Search and Rescue Efforts
Following the collision, a massive search-and-rescue operation was launched in the Potomac River, where water temperatures were reported to be a frigid 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Emergency personnel responded swiftly to the scene, with at least four people taken to hospitals. The severity of the situation was underscored by the temporary suspension of all takeoffs and landings at the airport.
The incident happened at around 9 p.m. and by 11.40, no survivors had been pulled from the water, and there were confirmed fatalities. The Association of Flight Attendants confirmed that two flight attendants were on board the passenger plane, while three U.S. Army soldiers were in the helicopter.
Official Response and Investigation
The White House and transport officials, including newly confirmed Transport Secretary Sean Duffy, are closely monitoring the situation. President Donald Trump was briefed on the accident and expressed his condolences, stating, “May God Bless their souls.”
“Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best,” Vice President J.D. Vance added.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the collision, with the NTSB taking the lead. As the probe unfolds, authorities urged the public to allow first responders to conduct their work unimpeded.