Search and rescue underway after American Airlines flight collides with military helicopter in DC — see the photos
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A military helicopter was involved in a collision with an American Airlines flight at DC’s Reagan National Airport at approximately 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The flight was traveling from Wichita, Kan.

Some 300 first responders worked overnight in dark, cold and windy conditions to find survivors.


The American Airlines flight collided with the military chopper around 9 p.m.

Earth cam

American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an Army Blackhawk helicopter exploding in a fiery impact as it approached Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC.
American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an Army Blackhawk helicopter, exploding in a fiery impact as it approached Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC.


Emergency response units assessed airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport, Arlington, Virginia.
Emergency response units assessed airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Getty Images


300 responders from across the region arrived to the scene.
Hundreds of responders from across the region arrived to the scene. Getty Images

Three were on board the mililtary Helicopter that crashed.
Three were on board the military helicopter that crashed. Getty Images


All flights at Reagan National Airport have been halted.
All flights at Reagan National Airport have been halted. Bonnie Cash/UPI/Shutterstock


People gathered near the scene to watch search and rescue operations in the Potomac River.
Rescue teams at the scene of the horrific plane collision. SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Numerous dive teams worked overnight in an attempt to find survivors.
Numerous dive teams worked overnight in an attempt to find survivors. REUTERS


Conditions on the water were “extremely rough,” cold and windy.
Conditions on the water were “extremely rough,” cold and windy. Getty Images


Dive teams used night vision in “dark” and “cold” water during rescue efforts.
Dive teams used night vision in “dark” and “cold” water during rescue efforts. SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Reagan National Airport will be closed until 11 a.m. Thursday morning.
Reagan National Airport will be closed until 11 a.m. Thursday morning. AP


People gathered near the scene to watch search and rescue operations in the Potomac River.
People gathered near the scene to watch search and rescue operations in the Potomac River. AP


Flights at Reagan National Airport were halted after the disaster.
Flights at Reagan National Airport were halted after the disaster. Anadolu via Getty Images

Reagan National Airport displayed signs announcing the halt to travelers.
Reagan National Airport displayed signs announcing the halt to travelers.

REUTERS


Officials held a news conference at Reagan National Airport early Thursday morning.
Officials held a news conference at Reagan National Airport early Thursday morning.
Reuters


Sean Duffy responded to the scene only one day after being sworn in as US secretary of transportation.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks to media at the airport. AFP via Getty Images

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran expressed his condolences during the early morning press conference.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran expressed his condolences during the early morning press conference. Reuters


World Champion husband-wife duo Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova were reportedly onboard the plane, according to Russian state-owned media.
World Champion husband-wife duo Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova were reportedly onboard the plane, according to Russian state-owned media. Getty Images


A new angle shows the moment the US Army helicopter collided with the American Airlines plane in Washington, DC, Wednesday night.
A new angle shows the moment the US Army helicopter collided with the American Airlines plane in Washington, DC, Wednesday night.

Emergency units respond to the Potomac River.
Officials say conditions on the water are “extremely rough,” cold and windy.

Getty Images


Rescue teams search the Potomac River after a commercial airplane reportedly collided with a military helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, USA, 29 January 2025.
Rescue teams search the Potomac River after a commercial airplane reportedly collided with a military helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC. JIM LO SCALZO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
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