A tragic aviation accident took place on Wednesday night when a military Black Hawk helicopter collided with a passenger plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The crash caused emergency rescue teams to rush to the Potomac River to search for survivors, sparking a large-scale emergency response.
Rescue Operations at Potomac River Crash Site
The D.C. Fire and EMS Department confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that fireboats were actively on the scene following the crash. Emergency responders worked from the dock to transport survivors to safety. Local police and several agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department, joined the efforts.
Officials have yet to provide details on the number of survivors or casualties.
Flights Halted as Reagan National Airport Closes Temporarily
All flight operations at Reagan National Airport were halted following the incident. In a statement, the airport confirmed that takeoffs and landings were suspended to allow emergency personnel to address the crisis. The airport terminal, however, remained open.
Jack Potter, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority CEO, announced that the airport would stay closed until at least 11 a.m. ET on Thursday.
President Donald Trump Addresses the Nation
President Donald Trump expressed his concern over the crash, calling it a “terrible accident” in a statement issued Wednesday night. He thanked first responders for their efforts and promised to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
“May God bless their souls,” Trump said.
American Airlines Confirms 60 Passengers Onboard
American Airlines verified that the passenger aircraft involved in the crash was a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas.
The airline stated that their main priority is the safety of those onboard and confirmed they were assisting emergency teams with the response.
Passengers concerned about loved ones on the flight were directed to call American Airlines at 800-679-8215. Family members outside the U.S. were advised to visit the airline’s news website for international contact numbers.
Details About the Military Black Hawk Helicopter
The military aircraft involved was a Black Hawk Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. However, authorities have not yet disclosed the number of personnel onboard the helicopter at the time of the crash.
The crash occurred in the Potomac River, just outside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, a location with a history of aviation-related accidents.
Ongoing Investigation Led by FAA and NTSB
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. The NTSB will take the lead as they work to uncover the cause of the collision.
Previous crashes near Reagan National include the deadly Air Florida Flight 90 accident in January 1982, when a plane crashed into the Potomac River, killing 78 people.
Challenges for Survivors in Freezing Water
Survivors face another challenge: freezing water temperatures in the Potomac River. According to AccuWeather, water temperatures near the crash site ranged between 33 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday night. These conditions pose a severe risk of hypothermia.
“Exhaustion or unconsciousness can set in within 15 to 30 minutes,” AccuWeather’s Senior Director of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin warned.
About PSA Airlines
PSA Airlines, the operator of the crashed aircraft, is a regional airline headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. The airline, a subsidiary of American Airlines, handles about 750 daily departures. The company is in the process of relocating its headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina.
The collision of the Black Hawk helicopter and passenger plane near Reagan National Airport has resulted in an extensive search and rescue operation. Emergency teams are working under freezing conditions to locate survivors, while investigations into the cause are ongoing. For now, families of those onboard remain hopeful as officials search for answers. As the NTSB and FAA work on uncovering details, updates will follow in the coming hours. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks associated with aviation, especially in challenging weather conditions.
