A U.S. plane carrying 64 people collided midair with an Army Black Hawk helicopter at Reagan Airport, causing an explosion and emergency response operations.
A tragic midair collision occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night when a commercial aircraft collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The jet, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, was making its final approach to land just before 9 p.m. ET when the incident happened.
Collision Details and Passenger Count
American Airlines confirmed that the aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-700, was carrying 60 passengers along with four crew members. The Pentagon reported that the Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers on board and had departed from Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Crash Footage and Immediate Aftermath
A webcam near the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts captured footage of a small aircraft, presumed to be the Black Hawk, colliding with the passenger jet at a low altitude. The impact triggered a bright explosion before radar tracking showed the jet descending into the Potomac River.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
DC Fire and EMS confirmed that emergency teams, including helicopters and fireboats, were actively searching for survivors in the Potomac River. Multiple agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department, are coordinating rescue operations.
Flight and Airspace Complications
The aircraft, American Eagle Flight 5342, had originated from Wichita, Kansas, and was preparing to land on Runway 33 at Reagan Airport (DCA). The region’s airspace is particularly complex due to its proximity to government buildings, frequent military aircraft movements, and challenging approach routes.
Government Response and Historical Context
President Trump issued a statement from the White House, expressing condolences and commending first responders: “I have been fully briefed on this terrible accident at Reagan National Airport. May God bless the souls involved. I am closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates.”
This marks one of the most severe aviation disasters in U.S. airspace in the past 15 years. The last major commercial aviation accident occurred in 2009, when a Colgan Air flight crashed near Buffalo, New York, resulting in 50 fatalities.
Airport Operations Suspended
In response to the collision, all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport have been halted as authorities continue their investigation and rescue efforts.
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