American Airlines Jet and US Army Helicopter Collide Over Potomac River

American Airlines Jet and US Army Helicopter Collide Over Potomac River

Tragic Crash Near Reagan National Airport

A devastating mid-air collision occurred on Wednesday night near Reagan Washington National Airport, involving an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Both aircraft crashed into the frigid Potomac River.

Casualties and Search Efforts

• The American Airlines jet, operating as Flight 5342, had 64 people aboard—60 passengers and four crew members.
• The U.S. Army helicopter carried three soldiers.
• At least 18 bodies have been recovered from the river so far.
• Over 300 responders are involved in the search and recovery operation, facing extreme cold and icy waters.

Eyewitness Accounts and Communications

• A webcam at the John F. Kennedy Center captured an explosion mid-air, showing an aircraft engulfed in flames before plunging into the river.
• Preliminary air traffic control reports indicate that moments before the collision, the helicopter crew had visually identified the jet. Controllers had instructed the helicopter to pass behind the jet, but the two aircraft still collided.

Investigation and Response

• The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Defense, and U.S. Army are conducting a joint investigation.
• The incident marks the first fatal crash involving an American Airlines aircraft since 2001 and the first deadly U.S. commercial plane accident since 2009.

Government Reaction

• The president expressed condolences and praised the first responders.
• Officials are working to determine the cause of the tragedy and prevent future incidents.

Airport and Travel Disruptions

• All takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport were immediately suspended.
• The airport is expected to remain closed until at least 11 a.m. Thursday as rescue efforts continue.

Authorities are still working to recover victims and gather more details about the events leading up to the crash.

“American Airlines Jet and US Army Helicopter Collide Over Potomac River” “American Airlines Jet and US Army Helicopter Collide Over Potomac River”