GUWAHATI: Several people are feared dead after an American Airlines regional jet collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night. The crash occurred shortly after 9 p.m. when American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The flight, en route from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching the airport when the collision caused the jet to crash into the Potomac River.
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According to sources, rescue teams quickly mobilised for search and recovery efforts, with at least 19 bodies recovered so far. The number of people aboard the American Airlines plane is still unclear, though it was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident, with the NTSB leading the probe.
In a statement on X, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed, stating, “A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.”
Following the crash, all flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were temporarily halted as emergency services responded to the scene. Washington DC Fire Services confirmed the crash and deployed boats to assist with the rescue operations.
Kansas Senator Jerry Morgan, who is in contact with authorities, expressed his concern, urging prayers for those involved.
“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.”
