An American Airlines regional jet collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Washington’s Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night. The crash, which took place over the Potomac River, has resulted in a tragic loss of life. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the collision occurred at around 9 PM ET, as the regional jet, Flight 5342, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided midair with the military Black Hawk helicopter.
The American Airlines flight was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while three US Army soldiers were aboard the Black Hawk Sikorsky H-60, which had taken off from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, for a training flight. Rescue teams have recovered 18 bodies from the Potomac River, though no survivors have been found as of now.
In response to the crash, Reagan National Airport has suspended all aircraft take-offs and landings. The Pentagon confirmed that the helicopter was on a training mission when the collision occurred. The crash has led to a massive search and rescue operation, with emergency responders from the DC fire department, police, and the US Coast Guard working under difficult conditions in the dark and cold weather.
US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences and praised the first responders for their efforts, while questioning the actions of both the air traffic control and the helicopter crew. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident, and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed “deep sorrow” over the tragedy.
Officials, including newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, are closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with local authorities to provide support in the ongoing search operation.
