Emergency crews were dispatched to the area near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport following reports of the crash. As a result, all flights in and out of the airport were temporarily suspended.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the collision involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The jet was on its approach to Runway 33 at the time of impact, around 9 p.m. local time. The flight, which was operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, had departed from Wichita, Kansas.
American Airlines stated that Flight 5342, an American Eagle service between Wichita (ICT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA), was involved in the accident. The aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
Reports indicate that the military helicopter was a UH-60 Black Hawk assigned to the U.S. Army, based out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Officials confirmed that three soldiers were on board at the time of the crash, but no high-ranking personnel were among them. The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region stated that the helicopter was participating in a training exercise when the incident occurred.
In response to the crash, President Donald Trump was briefed on the situation. “May God bless their souls. I deeply appreciate the efforts of our first responders,” he stated, promising continued updates as more information becomes available.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the media early Thursday, emphasizing that rescue operations were still ongoing. “Both aircraft are in the river, and our priority is saving lives,” she said. She confirmed the total number of individuals aboard both aircraft—64 on the passenger jet and three on the helicopter—but did not provide further details on recovery efforts.
Local reports indicate that 18 bodies have been recovered so far. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall expressed his condolences, stating, “I pray that God embraces each victim and provides comfort to their families.”
Authorities continue their search and rescue mission, with emergency personnel actively responding to the crash scene. Washington Reagan National Airport remains operational, though flight activities are currently suspended due to the ongoing investigation.
