WASHINGTON, Jan 30 – Hundreds of emergency responders are engaged in a difficult search-and-rescue operation in the frigid waters of the Potomac River after a tragic midair collision between a commercial passenger plane and a U.S. Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities, though the exact number remains undisclosed. No survivors have been recovered so far. Officials reported that 64 people were aboard the aircraft, while three Army personnel were in the helicopter at the time of the collision.
This incident is shaping up to be one of the most severe air disasters in recent U.S. history.
Details of the Collision
The passenger jet, identified as American Airlines Flight 5342, was a Bombardier CRJ700 operating under PSA Airlines. It was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.
Flight records indicate that the plane was scheduled to land around 9 p.m. local time. The first emergency calls reporting an aircraft crash above the Potomac River came in at approximately 8:53 p.m.
The Army helicopter, belonging to the 12th Aviation Battalion based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was on a training mission when the accident occurred. Officials have not yet disclosed where the Black Hawk had taken off from prior to the crash.
As a result of the collision, all air traffic at Reagan National Airport has been halted until 11 a.m. on Thursday, disrupting travel plans for thousands.
A video captured by an EarthCam near the area appears to show the moment of impact, as a fiery explosion erupts in the night sky.
Eyewitnesses describe a horrifying scene. One witness, Ari Schulman, recounted that he initially saw the plane flying normally before it suddenly banked hard to the right, beyond 90 degrees, followed by bright yellow sparks beneath it before the aircraft disappeared into darkness.
Air traffic control communications suggest that controllers had instructed the helicopter pilot to pass behind the approaching commercial jet. Just moments before impact, the helicopter pilot confirmed having visual contact with the passenger plane and requested visual separation. Seconds later, shocked reactions were heard from the control tower.
Passengers and Crew on Board
American Airlines has confirmed that there were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the flight. The Army helicopter carried three military personnel but was not transporting any VIPs at the time of the incident.
At a press conference, officials declined to specify whether any individuals had been officially declared deceased, but rescue teams continue their efforts in the Potomac River.
A crisis response center has been established at Reagan National Airport for the families and friends of those aboard the flight. Several individuals waiting at the airport to greet loved ones have expressed distress, as they remain without updates on their relatives.
Among those on board were members of the U.S. figure skating community returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Kansas. Russian media has also reported that two Russian figure skaters were among the passengers.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Around 300 first responders are involved in the search and rescue operation in the Potomac River under extremely challenging conditions. The water temperature is near freezing, with ice floating on the surface, making the mission particularly dangerous.
John Donnelly, Chief of DC Fire and EMS, described the conditions as “extremely rough,” emphasizing that the search effort could take several days. The section of the river where the crash occurred is about eight feet deep, dark, and murky, complicating the efforts of divers.
The National Weather Service has warned of severe risks associated with prolonged exposure to the freezing water. Hypothermia can set in within minutes, with loss of dexterity occurring in as little as three minutes. Unconsciousness can follow within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the level of exposure.
Government Response
President Donald Trump issued a statement saying he has been fully briefed on the situation and is monitoring the developments closely.
“I have been updated on the tragic crash that occurred near Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you to our first responders for their incredible efforts. I am closely following the situation and will share further details as they become available,” Trump stated.
On social media, he described the crash as “a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented,” though it is unclear what specific information he was referring to.
Vice President JD Vance also shared a message, asking for prayers for those involved in the accident.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an inquiry into the cause of the crash. A primary focus will be on air traffic control instructions, the flight paths of both aircraft, and whether any mechanical failures or miscommunications played a role in the disaster.
Authorities will also analyze the black boxes from both aircraft to determine what transpired in the moments leading up to the collision.
As rescue teams continue their grim search, families of those on board are left anxiously waiting for answers in what could be one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory.
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