Plane Crash in US: Passenger Jet and Helicopter Collide Near Reagan Airport
Plane Crash in US: Jet, Helicopter Collide Near Reagan Airport
A plane crash in US occurred when a regional jet and a military helicopter collided midair near Reagan Airport. The tragic incident took place over the Potomac River on Wednesday night, resulting in multiple fatalities and a large-scale rescue operation.
Midair Collision Over Potomac River
An American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the Potomac River. The collision happened near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night. Officials confirmed multiple casualties at the scene.
Fatalities and Survivors Reported
The Washington Post reported that several bodies had been recovered from the water. Senator Ted Cruz confirmed fatalities but did not specify the number. NBC stated that rescue teams pulled four survivors from the river.
Flight and Crew Details
PSA Airlines operated Flight 5342 for American Airlines. The aircraft had 60 passengers, two pilots, and two crew members on board. The US Army official reported three soldiers were inside the Black Hawk helicopter.
Explosion Caught on Camera
A web camera at the Kennedy Center in Washington recorded an explosion midair over the Potomac River. The footage showed a burning aircraft falling rapidly into the water. The collision occurred at 8:47 PM ET.
President Trump Responds
US President Donald Trump received updates about the tragic incident. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the collision involved a regional jet and a military helicopter.
FAA and Emergency Response
The FAA ordered a temporary ground stop at Reagan Airport. Washington police confirmed that multiple agencies were responding to the crash site. Fireboats assisted in the rescue efforts on the chilly Potomac River.
NTSB Investigates the Incident
The FAA reported that a PSA Airlines Bombardier jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The crash happened as the plane approached for landing at Reagan. The National Transportation Safety Board is gathering details about the cause of the accident.
US Passenger Plane Safety Concerns
No fatal US passenger plane accident had occurred since February 2009. However, multiple near-miss incidents in recent years raised concerns about aviation safety.
Ongoing Rescue and Investigation
Rescue teams continue searching for survivors in the river. Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic midair collision.