Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan National Airport Sends Passenger Jet into Potomac River
WASHINGTON — A devastating mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday evening sent the commercial aircraft crashing into the icy waters of the Potomac River, triggering a massive emergency response and grounding all flights in the area.The incident occurred around 9 p.m. local time when a PSA Airlines Bombardier regional jet, operating as American Eagle flight 5342, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, commonly known as the blackhawk, as the jet approached for landing. The plane had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was en route to Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump “has been made aware of this situation and tragically it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during an appearance on Fox News.The Bombardier regional jet involved in the crash can carry up to 78 passengers, though the exact number of people aboard either aircraft remains unclear. Similarly, details about casualties have not yet been confirmed.
Emergency responders faced critically important challenges as they worked in near-freezing temperatures and darkness. Fireboats were deployed to the Potomac River, while dozens of fire trucks rushed to the scene near the airport.
PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, released a statement acknowledging the incident: “we’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide data as it becomes available.”
The Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, a versatile military aircraft, can carry up to 15 people, including crew members.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to determine the cause of the collision and assess the full extent of the damage.
Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Incident | Mid-air collision between passenger jet and military helicopter |
| Location | Near Reagan National Airport, Washington, D.C. |
| Time | approximately 9 p.m. (0200 GMT) |
| Aircraft Involved | PSA Airlines Bombardier regional jet and Sikorsky H-60 helicopter |
| Passenger Capacity | Jet: Up to 78 passengers; Helicopter: Up to 15 people including crew |
| Emergency response | Fireboats, fire trucks, and rescue teams deployed to the Potomac River |
This tragic event has left the nation in shock, and updates are expected as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Stay tuned for further developments.
