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A passenger plane and a military helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport outside Washington late Wednesday, the Federal Administration of American Aviation said.
The regional flight, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, originated in Wichita, Kansas. CRJ700 Bombardier and a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk Black helicopter collided as the plane approached the airport around 9am.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department told X that “a search and rescue operation with many agencies is underway” in the Potomac River, as the first response sought survivors. There was no immediate confirmation of any victims.
American Airlines said her US flight Eagle 5342, transporting 60 passengers and four crews, “was involved in an accident” in the National Reagan.
“Our concern is for the passengers and the crew aboard,” the airline added. “We are in contact with the authorities and are helping in the emergency response efforts.”
A US defense official said he had a crew of three people aboard the helicopter, but no older staff. A second official said the helicopter crew status was unknown. The army said the black hawk was operating outside Belvoir, Virginia.
“We are working with local officials and will provide additional information after it is available,” the army said in a statement.
In a statement, US President Donald Trump said he was “fully informed of the terrible accident”.
The airport, located on the Virginia side of Potomac, near the Pentagon and beyond the national center, said all the ups and downs had stopped, but the terminal remained open.
A Sikorsky spokesman, who makes the Black Hawk helicopter owned by the Lockheed Martin defense contractor, said: “We have provided our support for our investigation and client.”
MHI RJ Aviation, who won the CRJ aircraft series and bombarder supporting operations in 2020, did not respond immediately to a comment request.
