American Airlines Plane Carrying 64 People Crashes Midair with Army Black Hawk Helicopter Over Washington, D.C.

Mar. 15, 2025

An American Airlines regional passenger plane carrying 64 people collided with a helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

The FAA said in a statement that the incident involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. CNN reported that it was an Army Black Hawk helicopter, citing two U.S. defense officials.The New York Timesalso reported it was an Army Black Hawk helicopter, citing an Army official.

The collision occurred as they were approaching Runway 33 around 9 p.m. local time.

“PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation,” the statement said.

American Airlinesconfirmed the news in a statement on X.

Plane crash at Reagan Washington National Airport.Andrew Harnik/Getty

Andrew Harnik/Getty

American Airlines said in astatementthat the plane had 60 passengers and four crew members onboard.

According toCNN, the Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers onboard. “We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available,” a U.S. Army official told CNN.

At least 18 people were pulled from the water and were rushed to hospitals, perCBS News. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser could only confirm the number of passengers on each aircraft during the first press conference after the crash.

Reagan Washington National Airport.TING SHEN/AFP via Getty

TING SHEN/AFP via Getty

The Metropolitan Police Departmentsaid in a statementthat multiple agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River and “there is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.”

DC Fire and EMS added that there are fireboats on the scene. Edward Kelly, the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters,said on Xthat “dozens of other firefighters engaged in dive operations.”

Potter said all Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport flights will be halted until 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, and the timing remains “fluid.” He also confirmed that “there is no impact” at surrounding airports, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Dulles International Airport.

While speaking to Fox News, White House press secretaryKaroline Leavittsaid that PresidentDonald Trumphas been briefed on the situation.

Vice PresidentJ.D. Vanceasked for prayers on X.

“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,” he wrote.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth saidthat his department is “actively monitoring” the situation.

source: people.com