A devastating aviation accident unfolded near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday when an American Airlines passenger jet collided with a U.S. Army helicopter during its approach for landing. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the American Airlines jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
Top Updates
- American Airlines CEO, Robert Eisen, has issued a statement addressing the incident. “At this time, we don’t know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft,” Eisen said.
- Eisen announced that American Airlines has set up a helpline at 1-800-679-8215 for those seeking information.
- ATC audio clip of American Airlines Flight 5342 has been recovered. The clip audio mentions Reagan Airport tower cleared the flight 5342 to land and advised US Army Black Hawk helicopter to watch for traffic seconds before collision.
ATC audio clip of American Airlines Flight 5342 as Reagan Airport tower clears them to land, advises US Army Black Hawk helicopter to watch for traffic seconds before collision. pic.twitter.com/tsGDA5Tskz
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) January 30, 2025
- The US Federal Aviation Administration said on Thursday that a PSA Airline Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet had collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to runway 22 at Reagan Washington National Airport at around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas.
- President Trump’s Statement
President Trump in a statement said that he’s 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,” the statement read. - 300 Responders Working In The Rescue Operation
There are currently about 300 responders working in a search-and-rescue operation at the Potomac River, DC Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr. said at a press conference at Reagan National Airport. - Fatalities Confirmed
According to reports, fatalities have been confirmed, and rescuers have not yet pulled any survivors from the water, a law enforcement source says. The rescue efforts continue in the Washington, DC, area following the crash. -
American Airlines CEO Heading To Washington
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom says he will head to Washington, DC, to assess the midair plane collision and support employees. “Members of our Go Team will be on their way to Washington DC and I’ll be heading there shortly as well,” Isom said in a video message. - Reagan National Airport Closed Till Friday
Reagan National Airport will remain closed until at least Friday at 5 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. - Defense officials confirm US Army Blackhawk was involved in the crash
As per the media reports, a US Army Blackhawk (H-60) helicopter collided with a passenger aircraft near Washington on Wednesday, according to two US defense officials.
- The Flight Had 60 People On Aboard: Report
According to reports, the airliner had about 60 people aboard. It’s not known how many were aboard the helicopter. - President Trump Has Been Informed
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump was informed about an incident during a brief interview with Sean Hannity on FOX News Wednesday night.
“There are many agencies that are working on this response right now, both federal and local law enforcement are working together on the ground, to try to save as many lives as possible. And the President will continue to monitor this situation,” Leavitt said.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire Trump administration are with all those involved,” Leavitt said.
- According to reports, Fire and EMS said a small aircraft had crashed into the Potomac River near the airport. Fireboats are currently on the scene.
- There are no confirmed casualties at this time, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
- According to the airport, all takeoffs and landings at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, have been halted as emergency personnel respond.
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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.
— Reagan Airport (@Reagan_Airport) January 30, 2025
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- Vice President JD Vance Ask For Prayer
Vice President JD Vance tweeted 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.”
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.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 30, 2025
- Senator Jerry Moran has confirmed the news.
Senator Jerry Moran on X has informed that the plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA.
Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA.
I am in contact with authorities.
Please join me in praying for all involved.
— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) January 30, 2025
- The plane was Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas, earlier on Wednesday.
- Senator Ted Cruz Said There Was Fatalities But….
Senator Ted Cruz said that it was known that there were fatalities, but the number was not yet known.I am closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and I will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow. While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities. Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) January 30, 2025
“I am closely monitoring the situation at DCA, and I will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow. While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities. Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway, ” Cruz posted on X.
(This is a developing story.)
- Vice President JD Vance Ask For Prayer
