Hundreds of first responders are braving frigid waters in a desperate search for survivors after a passenger plane collided with a US Army helicopter midair near Washington, DC, on Wednesday. The tragic incident occurred at Ronald Reagan national Airport, sending both aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River.Emergency personnel have been working tirelessly, but authorities warn the search and rescue operation could take days.
Law enforcement sources have confirmed fatalities, though the exact number remains unclear. As of now, no survivors have been recovered. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser revealed that there were 64 people on board the plane and three soldiers in the Army helicopter. This crash is being described as possibly the deadliest air disaster involving a US passenger plane in decades.
The passenger plane, identified as American Airlines Flight 5342, was operated by PSA Airlines and was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The collision occurred around 9 p.m. EST, as the plane was on approach to the airport. The Army helicopter involved was a black Hawk, a staple of military operations.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and beyond. Experts are already raising questions about air traffic control protocols and the circumstances leading to the midair collision. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the accident.In the aftermath, Reagan National Airport has been partially closed, with special shuttle buses running to Crystal city, a nearby Arlington, Virginia neighborhood, to assist stranded passengers. The airport’s operations are expected to be disrupted for an extended period as authorities work to clear the wreckage and ensure safety.
The Potomac River, where the debris is scattered, has become the focal point of the recovery effort. Divers are facing challenging conditions, including freezing temperatures and limited visibility, as they search for victims and critical evidence. The community has rallied together, offering support to the families ofMidair Collision Over Potomac River Halts Operations at Reagan National Airport
A midair collision between a bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, DC, has sparked widespread concern and halted air traffic in the area. The incident occurred Wednesday evening as the plane was approaching the runway, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and defense officials.
Flight records indicate the plane was scheduled to land around 9 p.m. local time. However,at 8:53 p.m., DC Police received reports of “an aircraft crash above the Potomac River.” the Black Hawk helicopter, operated by the 12th Aviation Battalion based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was on a training flight at the time, said Heather Chairez, media chief for the Joint task Force-National Capital region.
The 12th Aviation Battalion is responsible for providing helicopter transportation and “technical rescue support” to the National Capital Region. though, it remains unclear where the Black Hawk took off from prior to the collision.
A video of the crash, captured by EarthCam, shows the helicopter and plane colliding midair, resulting in a fiery explosion. Witness Ari Schulman told CNN he was driving home when he saw the incident unfold. “Initially, I saw the plane and it looked fine. Normal. It was right about to head over land, maybe 120 feet above the water,” Schulman recounted.
In response to the crash,all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National airport were suspended until 11 a.m. local time Thursday, officials confirmed. The FAA and other authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, which has raised questions about airspace management and safety protocols in the densely populated region.
Key Details of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Aircraft Involved | Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and US Army Black Hawk helicopter |
| Location | Above the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport, Washington, DC |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 8:53 p.m. local time, Wednesday |
| Status of Operations | All takeoffs and landings halted until 11 a.m. Thursday |
| Witness Account | Ari Schulman described the collision as a fiery explosion |
As investigations continue, the incident underscores the complexities of managing air traffic in one of the nation’s busiest regions. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area as recovery and investigative efforts proceed.
For updates on this developing story, follow CNN’s live coverage and stay tuned for official statements from the FAA and Joint task Force-National Capital Region.near-Miss Collision Over Reagan National Airport Highlights Air Traffic Challenges
A tense moment unfolded in the skies over Reagan National Airport, one of the busiest airspaces in the United States, as a helicopter and a passenger plane narrowly avoided a catastrophic collision. The incident, captured in air traffic control audio obtained by CNN from liveatc.net, underscores the complexities of managing shared airspace.
The audio reveals an air traffic controller directing the helicopter, identified as PAT 2-5, to pass behind a CRJ passenger plane. “PAT 2-5, do you have the CRJ in sight?” the controller asked. Moments later, the instruction was repeated: “PAT 2-5, pass behind the CRJ.”
The helicopter pilot responded, “PAT 2-5 has aircraft in sight, request visual separation.” However, less than 13 seconds later, the audio captured audible gasps and a loud “oooh” from the tower, signaling the moment of the near-miss.
Eyewitness accounts add to the chilling narrative. One observer,Schulman,described the plane as “banked all the way to the right… past 90 degrees.” He added, “I could see the underside of it. It was lit up a very bright yellow, and there was a stream of sparks underneath it,” before everything went dark.
The incident highlights the challenges of managing air traffic in congested airspaces, where passenger planes and helicopters frequently share the skies. Reagan National Airport, located just outside Washington, D.C., is a critical hub for both commercial and private aviation, making such incidents a cause for concern.
Key Details of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Reagan National Airport airspace |
| Aircraft Involved | Helicopter (PAT 2-5) and CRJ passenger plane |
| Audio Source | LiveATC.net |
| Critical Moment | Less than 13 seconds between pilot response and audible gasps from tower |
| Eyewitness Account | Plane banked past 90 degrees, bright yellow underside, sparks observed |
This near-miss serves as a stark reminder of the importance of air traffic control precision and the need for continued advancements in aviation safety protocols. As investigations continue, the aviation community will undoubtedly scrutinize the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
For more insights into air traffic management and safety, explore resources from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and stay updated on developments in aviation technology.American airlines Flight Incident: 64 On Board, US Army helicopter Involved
In a developing story, an American Airlines flight carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members was involved in an incident near Washington, DC.According to a statement from American Airlines to CNN, the flight was en route when the event occurred.
Concurrently, a US Army helicopter with a crew of three was also involved. A US defense official confirmed that the helicopter, a Black Hawk, was not transporting any VIPs. Black hawks are commonly used by senior Army officials for travel in the Washington, DC, area.
At an early Thursday press conference, officials remained tight-lipped about whether any fatalities had been confirmed.The lack of details has left families and the public anxiously awaiting updates.
In response to the incident, American Airlines has established a center at the airport and issued a hotline for family members and friends of the passengers. The airline has not yet released further details about the nature of the incident or the condition of those on board.
Key Details at a Glance
| Details | Data |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| American Airlines Flight | 60 passengers, 4 crew members |
| US Army Helicopter | 3 crew members, no VIPs on board |
| Press Conference | No confirmation of fatalities as of early thursday |
| Support measures | Airport center and hotline set up by American Airlines for families and friends |
as the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident. For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring accurate information is shared with the public.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
For more information on Black Hawk helicopters and their use in military operations, visit the official US Army website.Tragedy Strikes as Flight Carrying Figure Skaters Crashes into Potomac River
A devastating plane crash has left the figure skating community and families in shock after a flight carrying several members of the US figure skating team and two Russian skaters plunged into the Potomac River. The incident occurred shortly after the group participated in events related to the US Figure Skating Championships in Kansas, as confirmed by the national governing body of the sport.The flight, which was en route to Washington, D.C.,carried “several members” of the US figure skating community,according to officials. Russian state media TASS also reported that two Russian figure skaters were onboard, citing an unnamed source.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran expressed the profound impact of the tragedy, describing it as “a very personal circumstance” for Kansans. “We’re going to know people who are on this flight, know their family members,” Moran said during a press conference.
As the search for survivors continues, about 300 first responders are braving dark, cold, and windy conditions in the Potomac River, where temperatures are near freezing. The challenging environment has made rescue efforts particularly difficult.
At the airport, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority CEO Jack Potter noted that there were people “who were there to pick up loved ones,” underscoring the emotional toll on families awaiting news.
One such family is that of Hamaad Raza, whose wife was on the ill-fated flight. Raza told CNN affiliate WUSA that he had received a text from her saying she was “landing in 20 minutes,” but his messages stopped delivering shortly after. “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak,” Raza said, his voice filled with desperation.
the figure skating community,both in the US and internationally,is rallying together in the wake of this tragedy. the US Figure Skating Championships, a prestigious event that brings together the nation’s top talent, has now been overshadowed by this heartbreaking incident.
Key Details of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Potomac River, near Washington, D.C. |
| Passengers | US figure skaters, two Russian figure skaters |
| Event Connection | US Figure Skating Championships in Kansas |
| Rescue Efforts | 300 first responders in near-freezing conditions |
| Statements | Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, Metropolitan Washington airports Authority CEO |
As the search continues, the world watches and hopes for survivors.This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community in times of crisis.
For updates on the rescue efforts and more information on the US Figure Skating Championships, visit US Figure Skating.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.Dangers of Cold Water Immersion: A Race Against Time in Frigid Conditions
The search and rescue operation in the icy waters of the Potomac River has brought to light the extreme dangers of cold water immersion. With temperatures hovering around 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the risks of hypothermia and cold shock are alarmingly high, making the mission both urgent and perilous.
“It’s a highly complex operation. The conditions out there are extremely rough,” said john Donnelly, DC Fire and EMS Chief, during a press conference early Thursday. The divers are navigating a section of the river that is approximately 8 feet deep, dark, and murky, with floating pieces of ice complicating their efforts. Donnelly added that the search is likely to take days, underscoring the challenges posed by the environment.
The Immediate Threat: Cold Shock
Sudden immersion in frigid water can trigger cold shock, a physiological response that includes uncontrolled gasping, rapid breathing, and hyperventilation.According to the National Weather Service, these reactions can occur within seconds, making it difficult for individuals to stay afloat or call for help.
Prolonged Exposure and Hypothermia
The dangers escalate with prolonged exposure. Hypothermia sets in when the body’s core temperature drops to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, a process that can begin within moments in water this cold. In 35-degree water, individuals may lose dexterity in as little as three minutes, with unconsciousness occurring within 15 to 30 minutes. Survival times in such conditions are estimated to range between 30 and 90 minutes, according to the weather service.
key Risks of Cold Water Immersion
| Risk | Timeframe | Effects |
|————————-|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Cold Shock | Immediate (seconds) | Uncontrolled gasping, rapid breathing, hyperventilation |
| Loss of Dexterity | 3 minutes | Difficulty moving or gripping |
| Unconsciousness | 15–30 minutes | Loss of consciousness, inability to stay afloat |
| Hypothermia | 30–90 minutes | Core temperature drops to 95°F, leading to organ failure or death |
The Search Operation: A Test of Endurance
The divers’ mission is a testament to human resilience and the complexities of working in such harsh conditions. The murky, ice-filled waters of the Potomac River demand not only technical skill but also unwavering focus and physical endurance.
as the search continues, the risks faced by both the divers and those they are trying to rescue serve as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of cold water immersion.
For more information on cold water safety and survival tips,visit the National Weather Service website.
Stay informed and stay safe.President Trump Responds to Reagan National Airport Collision, Calls Situation “Preventable”
President Donald Trump has weighed in on the recent collision at Reagan National Airport, stating he was “fully briefed” on the incident and is closely monitoring developments. In a statement, Trump expressed his condolences and praised the efforts of first responders.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the unbelievable work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,” Trump said.
The collision, which occurred at the busy airport near Washington, D.C., has drawn significant attention due to its severity and location. Details about the cause of the crash and the extent of the damage remain unclear, but Trump suggested in a separate post on Truth Social that the incident could have been avoided.“A bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented,” Trump wrote. However, it is not yet known what specific information his statement was based on.
Reagan National Airport, a key hub for domestic and international travel, has been the site of several notable incidents in recent years. The Federal aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash to determine its cause and prevent future occurrences.
Key Details of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Reagan National Airport, Arlington, Virginia |
| Statement by Trump | “Fully briefed,” monitoring situation, praised first responders |
| Additional Comment | Called the crash “a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented” |
| Investigation | FAA and other agencies expected to led the probe |
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation and await official updates. The incident has already sparked discussions about airport safety protocols and the need for enhanced measures to prevent similar tragedies.
for more information on Reagan National Airport’s safety record and recent incidents, visit the FAA’s official website.
Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge about this developing story.President JD Vance Calls for Prayers After Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan Airport
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, president JD Vance expressed his concern for those affected by a mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport. The incident, which has sparked widespread attention, prompted the president to ask for prayers for “everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport.”
“We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best,” Vance wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The brief yet poignant statement underscores the gravity of the situation as authorities work to assess the extent of the damage and provide support to those impacted.
The collision, which occurred in close proximity to one of the nation’s busiest airports, has raised questions about aviation safety and emergency response protocols. While details remain scarce, the president’s call for unity and hope has resonated with many across the country.
Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Incident | Mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport |
| President’s Response | Called for prayers and expressed hope for the best |
| Statement Platform | Posted on X (formerly Twitter) |
| Current Status | Situation being monitored by authorities |
As the nation awaits further updates, President Vance’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis. The administration’s commitment to monitoring the situation closely offers reassurance to the public, while the call for prayers highlights the human element at the heart of this tragedy.
Stay tuned for more information as this story develops. For real-time updates, follow President JD Vance on X.
