Mid-Air Collision Near Washington, D.C.: American Airlines Jet and Army Black Hawk Helicopter Crash Over Potomac River
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Updated: 1:31am EST (January 30th, 2025)
NBC News is reporting that at least 12 bodies have been pulled from the water, but there are many more. The prospects of any survivors is not looking good. Divers have been able to reach both the inside of the American Eagle aircraft and the inside of the military helicopter.
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An American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), resulting in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. The collision has prompted a significant search and rescue operation involving multiple agencies.
NOTE: This story is developing and will be updated.
Details of the Collision
The American Airlines flight, operated by PSA Airlines as Flight 5342, was a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet (N709PS) en-route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C (DCA). On board were 60 passengers and four crew members. As the aircraft approached Runway 33 at DCA around 9 p.m. local time, it collided with a U.S. Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter carrying three military personnel.
Updated: Watch the Flight Tracking replay for JIA5342 on FlightRadar24.
The impact caused the commercial jet to split in two, with both aircraft descending into the Potomac River. Emergency responders, including fireboats and rescue teams, were dispatched immediately to the scene to search for survivors and recover victims.
Something collided with a commercial flight at DCA (Reagan National Airport) bringing it down. Footage is gut-wrenching.
Pray there are survivors.
Early reports of casualties are horrifying. Video captured massive fireball. pic.twitter.com/TAja0n2Xir
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) January 30, 2025
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Rescue operations have been underway since the incident occurred. Authorities have not yet released a comprehensive account of casualties, and the search continues for potential survivors.
The Metropolitan Police Department, along with federal agencies, is leading the search and rescue mission. Efforts have been complicated by nighttime conditions and cold temperatures, but teams remain committed to locating and assisting all affected individuals.
A new angle of the American Airlines plane versus the Blackhawk crash in DC shows that the Blackhawk appears almost completely dark.#Flight5342 #planecrash #news pic.twitter.com/SWmgK5nulk
— Chilly Chills (@WeeliyumF) January 30, 2025
Impact on Airport Operations
In response to the collision, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has suspended all takeoffs and landings to facilitate rescue operations and ensure safety. Flights scheduled to arrive at or depart from DCA are being redirected to alternative airports, including Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updated flight information.
Update: 19 Aircraft were diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
1:07am EST – Washington National Airport (DCA) slated to reopen at 11am on January 30th, 2025.
Breaking News: A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed mid-air with American Airlines Flight 5342 over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport. The commercial flight was inbound from Wichita. #Americanairlines #Flight5342
#planecrash pic.twitter.com/UabY7UZrgN
— Jetline Marvel Aviation (@jetline_marvel) January 30, 2025
Investigation and Official Responses
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have announced that they will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision. Preliminary details are still emerging, and officials have urged the public to avoid speculation until more information is available.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident and is monitoring the situation closely. In a statement, he referred to the crash as a “terrible accident” and expressed gratitude to the emergency responders for their swift action. He added, “May God bless their souls,” in reference to the victims.
If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.
You can view the response from American Airlines here.
Historical Context
This incident marks the first major commercial airline crash in the United States since the Colgan Air Flight 3407 accident in 2009. It is also the first fatal accident involving American Airlines since Flight 587 in 2001. The aviation community is expressing profound concern over this tragedy, and there will likely be extensive discussions about air traffic control protocols and mid-air collision prevention measures in the aftermath.
Bottom Line
The mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., is a devastating event that has led to significant loss of life. As rescue operations continue and investigations commence, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and uncovering the factors that led to this tragic accident. The aviation industry and the nation await further details to understand and learn from this incident to prevent future occurrences.
