A regional jet operated by American Airlines was involved in a collision with a military Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night while preparing to land in Washington D.C., near Reagan Washington National Airport, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration. The plane had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, while the helicopter carried three Army soldiers, according to reports from ABC News.
American Airlines released a statement acknowledging the incident involving American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, which was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington Reagan National Airport. The airline promised to provide further information as it becomes available.
Footage from The Kennedy Center captured the explosion happening mid-air over the Potomac River. As a result, Reagan Washington National Airport has temporarily suspended all landings and departures. Social media posts show a significant emergency response in the vicinity of the crash site around 9 PM.
Vice President JD Vance took to social media platform X to ask for prayers for those affected by the collision, stating, “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed Fox News that President Trump is aware of the incident. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are set to investigate the crash.