A regional American Airlines jet with 64 people on board collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, crashing into the frigid Potomac River. Officials have not confirmed the death toll, but U.S. Senator Roger Marshall suggested most, if not all, had perished.
Rescue crews recovered multiple bodies, with at least 18 confirmed dead. The jet, en route from Wichita, Kansas, carried 60 passengers and four crew. The helicopter, on a training flight, had three soldiers aboard.
Air traffic control recordings indicate the helicopter crew was aware of the plane’s presence before impact. Video footage captured an explosion upon collision. President Trump questioned the actions of air traffic controllers and the helicopter crew, calling the crash preventable.
Hundreds of first responders worked through the night under harsh conditions. Hypothermia posed a significant threat to survivors. Among the victims were former Russian world ice skating champions and several U.S. figure skaters.
Rescue teams continued searching in the early hours, with helicopters and boats scanning the river. The airport remained closed until at least 11 a.m.
This is the deadliest U.S. aviation accident since 2009. The FAA confirmed the jet was PSA Flight 5342, operated for American Airlines. CEO Robert Isom pledged full cooperation with investigators.
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