A passenger jet attempting to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport collided with a U.S. Army helicopter Wednesday night, sending the aircraft plunging into the Potomac River, local authorities confirmed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a statement on social media platform X, confirming that a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operated by PSA Airlines—an affiliate of American Airlines—crashed into a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching the runway around 9 p.m.
The CRJ700, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, according to American Airlines. The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision carried three individuals, according to military officials cited by NBC and The New York Times.
Immediate Response and Search Efforts
Following the mid-air collision, all flights at Reagan National Airport were temporarily halted. The airport’s terminals, however, remained open. Emergency responders, including firefighters and Coast Guard personnel, quickly mobilized for search-and-rescue operations in the Potomac River.
Maryland State Police dispatched divers to assist, and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management elevated its operations to “Enhanced” status to coordinate the emergency response.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her concern in a statement on X, saying, “Our prayers are with everyone involved, and we will continue to keep the public updated as more information becomes available.”
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin noted that first responders from Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland acted swiftly to assist. “Extensive resources are fully supporting the search-and-rescue efforts,” Youngkin wrote.
National Response
The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released a joint statement indicating that they were monitoring the situation closely. “Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and their families, and the first responders on the scene,” the committee leadership said.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the U.S. Coast Guard was deploying all available resources for search-and-rescue efforts. “We are actively monitoring the situation and stand ready to support local responders,” Noem stated.
Newly confirmed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X that he was closely monitoring developments from the FAA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. “I am on site at the FAA HQ and closely monitoring the situation,” he said.
Survivability Concerns in Frigid Waters
The National Weather Service issued a warning regarding the dangers of immersion in the Potomac River, where water temperatures hovered around 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Cold shock can cause an immediate panic, fear, or stress reaction that impairs clear thinking and decision-making,” the weather service cautioned. Hypothermia can begin within moments in such conditions, significantly reducing survival time.
Investigation Underway
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) confirmed that it was sending an accident investigation team to assist the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) with the probe into the collision. “We are shocked and saddened by the tragic accident at DCA tonight,” ALPA stated.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon acknowledged the involvement of the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, confirming that it originated from Fort Belvoir in Virginia and was conducting a training flight at the time of the crash.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also addressed the incident, stating he was “deeply saddened” by the crash and extended prayers to all involved. Vice President JD Vance called on the nation to unite in prayer, saying, “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening.”
As search-and-rescue efforts continue, American Airlines has set up a hotline for concerned family members at 800-679-8215. The airline pledged to release more information as it becomes available.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more details emerge.
