A passenger aircraft that crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport outside of Washington, DC, collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to the runway, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
The plane was Flight 5342 for American Airlines and was a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet. It departed from Wichita, Kansas, earlier on Wednesday.
American Airlines says 60 passengers and 4 crew on board
American Airlines told CNN Wednesday night there were 60 passengers and four crew on board the flight that collided on approach to Reagan National Airport.
Defense officials confirm US Army Black Hawk was involved in the crash
A US Army Black Hawk (H-60) helicopter collided with passenger aircraft near Washington on Wednesday, according to two US defense officials.
Three soldiers were on board the helicopter, according to a US defense official.
There is now an active rescue operation underway at the Potomac River in Washington D.C. after a passenger plane operated by American Airlines collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter while trying to land. CBS News' @krisvancleave reports that this is the first commercial… pic.twitter.com/wBodTGwqZH
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 30, 2025
Webcam at the Kennedy Center caught an explosion mid-air across the Potomac. https://t.co/v75sxitpH6 pic.twitter.com/HInYdhBYs5
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) January 30, 2025
BREAKING: Video shows 2 aircraft colliding over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. pic.twitter.com/vVcyThS8Lr
— BNO News (@BNONews) January 30, 2025
A military helicopter collided with a plane near Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia Wednesday night, according to the White House.
The American Airlines flight traveling from Wichita, Kan., collided with the military chopper while approaching Runaway 33 at the DC airport around 9 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
“I have called over to my counterparts at the White House, and I can confirm that President Trump has been made aware of this situation,” Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
🚨 #BREAKING: The White House has confirmed a commercial airliner collided with a military helicopter while on approach to Reagan National Airport
The FAA says the helicopter was a Blackhawk. pic.twitter.com/RFUX0301UA
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 30, 2025
“And tragically, it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet at DCA airport right here in Washington, DC. That’s all I can confirm at this point in time.”
Fireboats were on the scene at the Potomac River in Arlington, the DC Fire and EMS Department posted to X just after 9 p.m.
It is not known at this time if anyone was injured or how many people were on board.
All takeoffs and landings have been halted, the airport announced on X.
Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA.
I am in contact with authorities.
Please join me in praying for all involved.
— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) January 30, 2025
Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas tweeted, “I’ve seen the reports of a collision with a D.C. helicopter and an inbound flight from Wichita, KS. We are in contact with authorities working to get answers. We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families.”
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelley responds to plane crash
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly responded to Wednesday night’s plane crash.
“I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport. I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available,” Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said in a post on X.
BREAKING: Ronald Reagan National Airport says that all takeoffs and landings have been halted after a crash nearby. D.C. Fire and EMS said on X that a small aircraft was down near the airport just outside Washington and that fireboats were on the scene. https://t.co/wq9aXsEcKg
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 30, 2025
🚨 NOW: MASSIVE emergency response for the commercial plane crash at Reagan National Airport
At least 100 ambulances are now on the scene. pic.twitter.com/sqdOYcYE5d
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 30, 2025
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