- An American Airlines flight collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night.
- The passenger plane had 64 members on board, while the helicopter had 3 soldiers, according to reports.
- The planes collided as they were approaching Runway 33 around 9 p.m. local time.
- President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation
An American Airlines regional passenger plane carrying 64 people collided with a helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
The FAA said in a statement that the incident involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. CNN reported that it was an Army Black Hawk helicopter, citing two U.S. defense officials. The New York Times also reported it was an Army Black Hawk helicopter, citing an Army official.
The collision occurred as they were approaching Runway 33 around 9 p.m. local time.
“PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation,” the statement said.
American Airlines confirmed the news in a statement on X.
“We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available,” the statement read.
American Airlines said in a statement that the plane had 60 passengers and four crew members onboard. According to CNN, US Army Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers onboard.
“We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available,” a U.S. Army official told CNN.
At least four people were pulled from the water and were rushed to hospitals, NBC4 Washington reported.
Reagan National Airport said in its own statement on X that all “all takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA.”
“Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update,” the statement added.
The Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement that multiple agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River and “there is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.”
DC Fire and EMS added that there are fireboats on the scene. Edward Kelly, the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said on X that “dozens of other firefighters engaged in dive operations.”
While speaking to Fox News, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,” Trump said in a statement.
Vice President J.D. Vance asked for prayers on X.
“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,” he wrote.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that his department is “actively monitoring” the situation.
This story is developing.
