A passenger jet from Kansas crashed into Washington’s Potomac River after a mid-air collision with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport, officials confirmed Wednesday. The incident triggered a large-scale emergency response and led to the temporary grounding of all flights at the airport.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Fox News that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the situation. "Tragically, it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet," she said.
Authorities have yet to confirm the number of people aboard either aircraft or any casualties. The civilian aircraft involved, a Bombardier regional jet operated by PSA Airlines, has a maximum capacity of 78 passengers. The military aircraft, a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter, can carry up to 15 people, including crew members.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the collision occurred around 9 p.m. (0200 GMT) as the Bombardier jet was approaching Reagan National Airport after departing from Wichita, Kansas.
Emergency crews, including fireboats, rushed to the crash site on the Potomac River. Authorities noted that the nighttime conditions and near-freezing temperatures complicated rescue operations. Dozens of fire trucks were also seen heading toward the airport.
The FAA immediately halted all flights at Reagan National as multiple agencies responded. Washington’s police department confirmed on X that emergency personnel from various departments were on the scene.
American Airlines, the parent company of PSA Airlines, issued a brief statement on its website: "We're aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available."
Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation unfolds.