A significant search and rescue mission is currently in progress following a midair collision between an American Airlines aircraft and a military helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington DC.
Rescue teams have successfully retrieved four individuals by plunging into the icy waters. American Airlines has verified that the plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
The US Army has acknowledged that one of its Blackhawk helicopters was part of the collision, carrying three soldiers, none of whom were reported to be high-ranking.
Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was due to land at Reagan National Airport just before 9pm.
A web camera shot from the Kennedy Center in Washington showed an explosion mid-air across the Potomac around 2047 ET with an aircraft in flames crashing down rapidly.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it was conducting an investigation into the crash.
According to NBC, four people have been pulled from the water so far and they were taken to North Boathouse Fire Station for further assessment as first responders scour the river.
American Airlines said in a statement: ‘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 information as it becomes available.’
President Donald Trump said: “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 incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
Dozens of police, ambulance and rescue units, some ferrying boats, were seen racing to positions along the tarmac of Reagan airport.
Live TV images showed several boats in the water, flashing blue and red lights.
Police said multiple agencies were involved in a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River, which borders the airport.
In a statement, DC Police said: ‘At 8:53pm, multiple calls were received for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River.
‘DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department and multiple partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River. There is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.
The Federal Aviation Authority said that the jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a Sikorksy H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Runway 33.
The airport said in a post to X: ‘All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.’
An FAA statement said: “A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time.
“PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and [National Transportation Safety Board] will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.”
There has not been a fatal U.S. passenger aircraft accident since February 2009, but a series of near-miss incidents in recent years have raised serious safety concerns.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was gathering more information on the incident.
