Officials confirmed that a mid-air collision occurred Wednesday night between an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a United States Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a PSA Airlines regional jet, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342, collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Reagan National Airport. According to American Airlines ‘ website, the flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying up to 65 passengers.
A US Army official confirmed that one of its helicopters was involved in the crash. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas stated on social media that “we know there are fatalities,” though he did not specify the number.
Various agencies, including local police and emergency responders, are engaged in a search and rescue mission in the Potomac River alongside the airport. As emergency teams responded to the incident, Reagan National Airport temporarily suspended and rescheduled all departures.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced that it is gathering more information to determine the cause of the collision.
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This incident marks a tragic event in US aviation, as there has not been a fatal passenger aeroplane accident since February 2009. However, a series of near-miss incidents in recent years have heightened safety concerns within the industry.
Statement from American Airlines
American Airlines released a statement on social media, acknowledging the incident: “We are 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.” The airline pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the damage and the cause of the collision. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the need for continued vigilance in air traffic management.
