WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through the nation, a catastrophic midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter occurred Wednesday evening, resulting in both aircraft plunging into the icy waters of the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The collision, which took place around 9:00 p.m. local time, has left authorities scrambling to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy, while search and rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors in the frigid river.
The commercial airliner involved has been identified as PSA Airlines Flight 5342, operating under American Airlines. The Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet was en route from Wichita, Kansas, and was on its final approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk military helicopter. The airliner was carrying approximately 60 passengers and crew, though the exact number of individuals aboard the helicopter remains unclear. Initial reports indicate that at least four people have been rescued from the water and transported to local hospitals, but their conditions have not been disclosed. Authorities have confirmed fatalities, though the precise number has yet to be determined.
The collision was captured by the EarthCam web camera network, which recorded a sudden, blinding flash as the two aircraft struck each other midair. The force of the impact sent both planes spiraling into the Potomac River, where emergency responders immediately launched a massive rescue operation. The water temperature, reported to be around 37°F, poses a significant risk to anyone exposed for more than 15 to 20 minutes, as hypothermia can set in rapidly. This has added urgency to the efforts of search and rescue teams, who are braving the cold and dark to locate survivors.
The scene at Gravelly Point, just north of the airport, is one of controlled chaos. Fireboats, helicopters, and personnel from multiple agencies, including the D.C. Fire and EMS Department, the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and regional fire departments, have converged on the area. The FBI has confirmed that its personnel are on standby to assist as needed, though there is no indication of criminal or terrorist activity linked to the incident. Additionally, authorities have verified that no senior U.S. officials were aboard the military helicopter at the time of the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the collision. The NTSB will take the lead in the inquiry, which is expected to focus on factors such as air traffic control communications, weather conditions, and the flight paths of both aircraft. The FAA has temporarily suspended all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport as a precautionary measure, causing significant disruptions to air travel in the region.
As the investigation unfolds, questions are already being raised about how such a collision could have occurred in one of the most heavily monitored airspaces in the world. Reagan National Airport, located just miles from the U.S. Capitol, is subject to stringent security protocols and is surrounded by restricted airspace. The incident has reignited debates about air traffic control procedures and the coordination between civilian and military aircraft in the D.C. area.
The human toll of this tragedy is still being assessed, but the emotional impact is already palpable. Families of those aboard the aircraft are anxiously awaiting news, while first responders continue their grim task of recovering victims from the river. The community has rallied together, with local organizations offering support to those affected by the crash.
As the night wears on, the situation remains fluid, with updates expected as search and recovery efforts progress. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward and assist in the investigation. In the meantime, the nation watches and waits, hoping for answers and praying for those whose lives have been forever changed by this devastating event.
