Tragic Mid-Air Collision Near Washington, DC
American Airlines plane crash: A devastating mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has left rescuers scrambling to locate survivors in the icy waters of the Potomac River. An American Airlines passenger jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter, leading to a catastrophic crash and an intense rescue operation.
Details of the Collision
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that at approximately 9:00 PM local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday, a Bombardier CRJ700 jet operating as American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The passenger plane had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three US soldiers on board from Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Authorities report that the passenger plane broke apart upon impact, with large sections sinking into the river, while the helicopter overturned in the water. Air traffic control recordings suggest that controllers attempted to warn the military helicopter about the incoming jet but received no response.
Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Reports indicate that at least 19 bodies have been recovered from the river so far, but officials have yet to confirm the final casualty count as search efforts continue. Over 300 first responders, including Coast Guard units, firefighters, and emergency services personnel, have been deployed in rubber boats, battling freezing temperatures and strong currents.
Washington, DC Fire Chief John Donnelly described the rescue operation as “highly complex” due to strong winds, icy conditions, and submerged wreckage. He warned that survivability decreases dramatically in such frigid waters, but rescuers remain hopeful.
High-Profile Passengers Among the Victims
Among the victims were several US and Russian figure skaters, including former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who were returning from a development camp in Kansas. US Figure Skating has confirmed that multiple members of their community, including athletes, coaches, and family members, were on board the flight.
Related: President of the United States Donald Trump Speaks About the Washington, D.C., Plane Crash
American Airlines plane crash Eyewitness
Several eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment of impact. Ari Schulman, who was driving along the George Washington Parkway, said he saw the plane’s approach looking normal until it suddenly banked hard to the right, with “streams of sparks illuminating its belly.”
“It looked like a giant Roman candle, from nose to tail,” he said.
Another witness, Jimmy Mazeo, who was dining at a nearby park, recalled seeing a bright white flare in the sky before emergency responders began arriving en masse.
Immediate Aftermath and Airport Closures
Following the accident, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport suspended all takeoffs and landings, with several inbound flights rerouted to nearby airports. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the incident, with preliminary findings expected in the coming days.
Response from US Officials
US leaders have expressed their condolences and are closely monitoring the situation.
- President Donald Trump released a statement calling it a “terrible accident” and praised first responders. On TruthSocial, he questioned how such an accident could have occurred, writing:“This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”
- Vice President JD Vance urged for prayers for those affected, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy assured the public that a full investigation is underway, stating,“We will take appropriate action if necessary.”
- American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed his “deep sorrow” in a video message posted on the airline’s website.
- US Senator Roger Marshall (Kansas), representing the state from which the plane had departed, described the crash as “heartbreak beyond measure.”
What Happens Next? American Airlines plane crash
The FAA and NTSB will work together to determine the cause of the collision. Investigators will analyze flight data recorders, communication logs, and radar tracking to understand how the two aircraft ended up on a collision course.
For now, the priority remains on search and rescue operations. Emergency teams continue working tirelessly in the frigid Potomac waters, hoping to find survivors and bring closure to the families affected by this tragic event.
This story is developing. Stay tuned for further updates.