WASHINGTON– A passenger jet from Kansas crashed into the Potomac River in Washington after colliding mid-air with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport, officials reported on Wednesday.
The incident prompted a large emergency response and led to the grounding of all flights.
President Donald Trump has been informed of the situation, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating on Fox News that it appears a military helicopter collided with a regional jet.
However, there is no immediate information on the number of people aboard the aircraft or any casualties. The Bombardier regional jet involved in the crash has a capacity of up to 78 passengers.
The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC confirmed it had not received any reports indicating that Filipinos were aboard the jet.
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) ordered a temporary grounding of all planes at Reagan National Airport. Meanwhile, Washington’s police reported that “multiple agencies” were responding to the crash site in the Potomac River.
Due to the dark and near-freezing conditions, fireboats joined the recovery operation, and fire trucks were seen heading toward the airport.
The FAA identified the aircraft involved as a PSA Airlines Bombardier regional jet, which collided mid-air with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter as it was approaching Reagan for landing at around 9 pm (0200 GMT).
The plane had departed from Wichita, Kansas. PSA Airlines is a subsidiary of American Airlines. The Sikorsky H-60, also known as a Blackhawk, has a capacity of up to 15 people, including crew members.
In a statement, American Airlines acknowledged the incident involving American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, and confirmed that it would provide further information as it becomes available.
AMERICAN AIRLINE
American Airlines confirmed that there were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the plane that crashed after a midair collision near Reagan Airport.
“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 said in a statement.
American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was approaching the Washington, D.C., airport when it collided with a helicopter around 9 p.m.
The flight was en route from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and was operating a CRJ-700 aircraft.
TRUMP’S POST
President Donald Trump issued a statement, saying he was briefed on the “terrible accident” at Reagan National Airport. “May God Bless their souls,” he said.
Trump expressed gratitude to first responders and promised to provide more details as they become available. The statement was shared by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on X.
WHAT WE KNOW:
- An American Airlines regional jet collided midair with a helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
- One or both of the aircraft may have crashed into the Potomac River, a source familiar with the situation said.
- A search-and-rescue operation is underway on the river, officials confirmed.
- American Eagle Flight 5342, coming from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, American Airlines reported.
- The helicopter involved in the crash was an Army Black Hawk, according to defense and Army officials. Preliminary reports indicate three people were on board.