A huge search and rescue effort is underway after an army Black Hawk -Helicopter collided with an American Airlines Jet in Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia On Wednesday evening.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Regional Jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 ​​helicopter while around 9 p.m. local time on the catwalk 33 on Reagan National Airport.
PSA worked as a flight 5342 for American Airlines and departed from Wichita, Kansas. There was no immediate word about victims or the cause of the collision.
White House Pers Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Sean Hannity of Fox News that President Donald Trump is aware of the situation and calls it tragic. Trump later issued a statement and wrote: “I was fully informed about the terrible accident that just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work done by our first care providers. Situation and more details will when they occur. “
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A small plane is in the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport, DC Fire was confirmed on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. (Fox 5 DC)
The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.
The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia said in a statement that at 8:53 pm several calls were received for a plane crash over the Potomac River.
“DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department and several partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River,” the police said. “There is currently no confirmed information about victims.”
American Airlines Fox News Digital told them that they are aware of reports that American Eagle Flight 5342, managed by PSA, with the service of Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) was involved in an incident. No further information was available at the airline.
The plane collided with a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-knife, Twin-Motor, Medium-Lift Utility Military Helicopter, who can transport 15 people, including two pilots, two crew heads and two rescue specialists.
There were three soldiers on the helicopter at the Time of the crash, According to an army officer.
“We can confirm that the plane involved in tonight’s incident was an army UH-60 helicopter of Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, from Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training flight,” the army confirmed to Fox News Digital . “We work together with local officials and offer additional information as soon as it is available.”
At the time of the crash, Reagan National Airport reported a clear sky, visibility of 10 miles and winds that were sustained from the northwest with 16 km / h, winds to 26 km / h. The temperature was then also 50 degrees.
Transport secretary Sean Duffy said he was on site and closely monitored the situation. He was sworn in just earlier in the day on Wednesday.
The DC Fire and EMS department confirmed that fire boats were on site.
Ministry of Interior Security Kristi calls said that every available American coastguard source is used to help with the search and rescue efforts. She also said that her department is actively monitoring the situation and is ready to support local respondents.
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A screenshot of an Earthcam seems to show the moment a Army Black Hawk -Helikopter collided with an American Airlines Jet on Reagan Washington National Airport. (Credit: Earthcam) (Earthcam)
A few minutes before the landing, air traffic controllers asked the upcoming commercial jet to land on the shorter runway 33 at Reagan National and the pilots said they could do it. Controllers then made the plane to land on runway 33. Flight follows showed that the plane adjusted its approach to the new runway.
In audio of the air traffic tower around the time of the crash, a controller is heard to ask the helicopter: “Pat25 you have the CRJ in sight”, in reference to the passenger plane.
“Tower have you seen that?” Another pilot has been heard to call seconds after the apparent collision.
A video posted on X and recorded from the webcam in the Kennedy Center was a bit like an explosion in the air near the Potomac River.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelley also said she was aware of the incident.
“I am aware that a plane from Wichita was involved in a crash on Reagan National Airport,” she said. “I have active contact with the authorities. My thoughts go to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available.”
A screenshot of an Earthcam seems to show the fireball when an army Black Hawk -Helicopter collided with a jet on Reagan Washington National Airport. (Credit: Earthcam) (Earthcam)
Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kans., Said in a post on X that he had seen reports of a collision with a DC helicopter and an incoming flight from Wichita, Kansas.
“We have contact with authorities who work to get answers,” Marshall wrote. “We ask you to participate in prayer for every passenger and their families.”
Marshall later wrote that the plane was wearing around 60 passengers when it collided with the military helicopter.
“My prayer is that God wraps His arms around every victim and that he stays with their families. There are no words that can make this story easier,” he wrote. “I ask the world to join me to pray for Kansas tonight, the first care providers, rescue teams and all those involved in this horrible accident. I have had contact with local and national authorities who ask for answers and will be more Continue to demand information about how this unfolded. “
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Fox News Digital has contacted the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for more information.
The Associated Press has contributed to this report.
