Highlights
- An American Airlines flight collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport.
- The collision took place over the Potomac River, with the plane carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members, and the helicopter carrying 3 soldiers.
- Search and rescue efforts are underway, with at least 18 bodies recovered, but the situation remains grim.
- The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
- The FAA has temporarily closed Reagan National Airport, and it will remain closed until at least Friday morning, January 31.
- Emergency services are actively working in freezing temperatures, with risks of hypothermia for those in the water.
An American Airlines plane and a military helicopter collided in midair Wednesday night near Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport, resulting in a devastating crash.
The collision involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operated by American Airlines, and a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the U.S. Army.
The crash occurred as the plane was approaching the airport’s Runway 33, just before 9 p.m. local time.
According to reports from D.C. Fire and EMS, the crash took place over the Potomac River. The American Airlines flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, was on its way from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C.
The military helicopter had three Army personnel onboard, conducting a standard training flight at the time of the collision.
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Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Following the collision, emergency response teams rushed to the scene to begin the search and rescue operation. Fireboats were deployed in the Potomac River, and rescue helicopters from the Metropolitan Police Department helped coordinate the efforts.
First responders, including teams from Fairfax and Montgomery counties, were mobilized from across the D.C. region.
According to emergency officials, the search area extended across multiple points along the river. Despite their efforts, the situation remained dire, with authorities reporting no signs of survivors from the wreckage.
The water temperature in the Potomac River was about 35°F, making survival even more challenging for any potential survivors due to the risk of hypothermia.
At least 18 bodies have been recovered so far, with more feared to be trapped in the wreckage. The area around the crash site has been secured, and search operations continue through the night.
Fire and emergency services are expected to remain in place, with a large number of first responders actively working to recover additional victims from the cold waters.
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FAA and NTSB Involvement
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are both investigating the cause of the crash, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
The FAA confirmed the collision occurred during the plane’s approach to Reagan National Airport, and all flights to and from the airport were temporarily halted after the crash.
The FAA has announced that Reagan National Airport will remain closed until at least Friday morning, January 31, 2025. Airport terminals, however, remain open for passengers, and alternative arrangements are being made for those affected by the grounding of flights.
President Donald Trump Briefed on the Incident
President Donald Trump was briefed on the tragic incident shortly after it occurred. The White House confirmed that the president has been following the developments closely and is in communication with local authorities.
“Terrible accident,” President Trump said in a statement on social media. “This should have been prevented. We are doing everything possible to assist with the recovery and investigation.”
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American Airlines and Army’s Statements
American Airlines, in a statement released after the crash, expressed its concern for the passengers and crew aboard Flight 5342.
The airline confirmed the aircraft involved was a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, and it is currently working with emergency teams to provide support and gather more details about the passengers.
“We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts,” said the airline in their official release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this tragic event.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Army confirmed that the helicopter involved in the crash was from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
The Army expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the soldiers involved and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.
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Search and Rescue Under Challenging Conditions
Rescue teams are facing extremely difficult conditions in the river. According to officials, the water temperature and rough waters are making the recovery process slow and dangerous. First responders are working tirelessly in these challenging conditions to bring any survivors to safety.
Search-and-rescue teams from various states, including Maryland and Virginia, have been dispatched to assist in the recovery operation.
Emergency personnel have also warned about the potential health risks associated with the cold water temperatures, which can cause hypothermia in as little as 15 to 20 minutes.
Local and National Authorities Respond
Local officials, including Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, have expressed their condolences and assured the public that all resources are being utilized to manage the crisis.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin have both issued statements offering support and sending condolences to the victims’ families. State emergency management teams are on high alert, coordinating the ongoing efforts at the scene.
The Metropolitan Police Department has been working alongside federal agencies to secure the area and assist with the recovery operation. Authorities have also deployed divers to help search for any victims still missing in the river.
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What’s Next for the Investigation?
As the NTSB investigates the cause of the collision, the aviation community is left with many questions about what went wrong.
The FAA, along with other aviation experts, will be looking into whether there was any miscommunication between air traffic control and the pilots involved in the incident.
This investigation will take some time to conclude, but authorities are committed to uncovering the truth and preventing such accidents in the future.
In the meantime, American Airlines is doing everything it can to support the victims’ families, offering a toll-free number for anyone who believes they may have loved ones aboard the plane.
The airline has promised to provide all necessary assistance to the families and has pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
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