An American Airlines passenger jet collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport before crashing into the Potomac River. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was approaching the airport’s runway when it struck a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night.
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The aircraft, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, departed from Witchita, Kansas, earlier that day. As a result of the collision, the passenger jet went down in the Potomac River, and authorities have not confirmed the status of the military helicopter, CNN reported. At this time, no casualties have been reported, but rescue efforts are ongoing. Following the crash, all takeoffs and landings are postponed while the airport terminal remains open, and travelers are advised to expect significant delays.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the mid-air collision and collaborating with the FAA to determine the cause. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Department clarified that its own helicopters were not involved in the incident but are assisting with the multi-agency response. Vice President JD Vance urged the country to pray for those involved in a post on X(formerly Twitter): “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.”
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President Trump has been briefed on the situation, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. DC Police, DC Fire and EMS, and Coast Guard units have launched an intense search-and-rescue mission across the Potomac River, but as of now, there are no confirmed reports of survivors or fatalities. Authorities began receiving distress calls about the crash at 8:53 p.m.