Ronald Reagan National Airport has halted operations due to an “aircraft emergency”
A regional jet operated by the American Airlines’ subsidiary has collided midair with a US military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on Wednesday night, prompting the suspension of all flights and a large-scale emergency response.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342, was on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter around 9 p.m. local time. The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the crash, stating that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the incident.
“Tragically, it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet at DCA Airport right here in Washington, DC,” Leavitt told Fox News. She added that the Trump administration’s “thoughts and prayers” were with those involved and urged the public to follow law enforcement guidance.
Webcam at the Kennedy Center caught an explosion mid-air across the Potomac. https://t.co/v75sxitpH6 pic.twitter.com/HInYdhBYs5
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) January 30, 2025
As of now, the exact number of individuals on board each aircraft and the number of casualties remain unclear. The Bombardier CRJ700 typically seats up to 78 passengers, with a standard crew of two pilots and two flight attendants. The Sikorsky H-60 helicopter generally carries a crew of three to four, including pilots and crew chiefs, and can accommodate up to 11 additional personnel, depending on its configuration.
For more information, visit https://t.co/ECDOdj1kdr. pic.twitter.com/Z5vWq4vUJ2
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) January 30, 2025
DC Fire and EMS previously said on X that a “small aircraft” had gone down in the Potomac River near the airport, with fireboats and other emergency personnel responding to the scene. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) also reported an “apparent air crash” and confirmed that multiple agencies were conducting a search and rescue operation in the river.
“A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River after an aircraft crash,” MPD stated on X. The department also clarified that its own helicopter was not involved in the incident but was assisting in the response efforts.
The airport announced that all takeoffs and landings were halted due to an “aircraft emergency”. However, the terminal remained open to passengers.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to perform their duties without hindrance.
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