American Airlines flight collides with Black Hawk Near D.C. Airport, casualties feared!
An American Airlines regional jet collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington’s Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported the crash occurred around 9 pm ET when the regional jet, flight 5342, struck the military helicopter as it was approaching the runway. The American Airlines flight had 60 passengers and four crew members onboard. Meanwhile, three U.S. Army soldiers were aboard the Black Hawk Sikorsky H-60.
The American Airlines flight experienced a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River, according to data from its radio transponder. Following the incident, Reagan Airport halted all aircraft departures and arrivals. The airport operator confirmed the suspension via social media.
A search and rescue operation quickly began near the Potomac River, involving the DC fire department, police, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Police have started recovering multiple bodies from the river, with sources reporting fatalities.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his concern, saying, “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident… May God Bless their souls.” He praised first responders and assured the public that he would provide updates. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the Pentagon was “actively monitoring” the situation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, stationed at FAA headquarters, said he was also closely tracking the incident.
Senator Ted Cruz tweeted about confirmed fatalities, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear. “While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities,” Cruz wrote.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it was collecting more details to understand the cause of the crash.
