A tragic crash occurred Wednesday night when an American Airlines regional jet collided with a military helicopter, plunging into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport (DCA). The crash, which was reported just after 8:50 p.m., prompted an immediate response from multiple emergency agencies.
The aircraft involved was American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines. The plane, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, was en route to Washington, D.C., and was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. Preliminary reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggest that the jet, which was approaching the runway at DCA, collided with an Army UH-60 helicopter based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
In a joint statement, the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFD) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirmed that rescue operations were underway, with multiple fireboats responding to the scene. Agencies including the FBI’s National Capital Response Squad, U.S. Park Police, and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue were also part of the extensive response efforts.
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Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen urged the public to stay clear of the area to allow emergency crews to carry out search and rescue operations. Meanwhile, all flights at DCA were grounded as authorities worked to manage the scene.
Senator Ted Cruz, who spoke shortly after the crash, confirmed that there had been fatalities, though no further details were provided. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the incident with support from the FAA.
In Kansas, officials at the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, where the flight originated, confirmed that recovery operations were still ongoing. Families of those on board the flight have been asked to contact American Airlines for updates. The airline has opened a dedicated phone line at 800-679-8215 for inquiries.
Those outside the U.S., including families from Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, can find additional contact information through American Airlines.
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