An American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter collided Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR» American Eagle Flight 5342 (Wichita, Kansas, to DCA) collides with military helicopter.» 64 people on board flight; three soldiers on board helicopter training flight.» Helicopters requested from Maryland State Police; MSP also deployed divers.» Call came in at 8:48 p.m., first responders arrived within 10 minutes.» Reagan National Airport to reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday. Flights not impacted at Dulles or BWI-Marshall.» Officials confirmed the operation has moved from a rescue effort to a recovery effort as there are no expected survivors» 28 bodies have been recovered from the water, including 27 from the plane and one from the helicopter.UPDATE (7:30 a.m.): Officials provide a morning update on the tragic plane crash at Reagan National Airport. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed sadness for American Airlines and the Department of Defense for the loss of life in the crash. DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said the operation was switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.”At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors. We’ve recovered 27 people from the plane and one from the helicopter,” Donnelly said.”Our focus right now is doing everything we can to support all of those involved,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said. “This is devastating. We are all hurting incredibly.”U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy explained the conditions Wednesday night were clear.”This was a clear night last night. The helicopter was in a standard pattern, this flight pattern is seen oftentimes if you live in D.C. The American Airlines flight coming into land was in a standard flight pattern coming into DCA. So, this was not unusual with military aircraft flying over the river and aircraft coming into land,” Duffy said.Duffy said crews found the two aircrafts. The fuselage of the American Airlines plane was inverted, it’s been located in three different sections in about waist-deep water.”Safety is our expectation. Everyone who flies in American skies expects that we fly safely, that when you depart the airport, you get to your destination safely. That didn’t happen last night,” Duffy said. “You should be assured that when you fly, you’re safe.””I want to express my sincere condolences for the accident that happened at DCA last night,” Isom said. “We’re absolutely heartbroken for the family of the passengers and the crew members and also for those that were in the military aircraft.”DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said multiple first responders from across Maryland, including Baltimore City, took part in the crash response.”We will begin to have aircraft moving in and out of the airport at 11 o’clock,” said Jack Potter, the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.UPDATE (3 a.m.): NBC News is reporting that figure skaters were on board the flight.NBC cited a U.S. Figure Skating statement as saying: “These athletes, coaches and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”UPDATE (12:54 a.m.): Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser and authorities said first responders from across the region are conducting a rescue operation in dark and cold conditions.”We want to extend our thoughts and prayers to those individuals who are impacted by the events tonight, their families. We know that this is a difficult time for them,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said an alert was called at 8:48 p.m. for a large regional response for a plane crash. The first units arrived at the scene about 10 minutes later and began rescue operations.Video below: Strong winds hindered onset of rescue operations after plane crashDonnelly said they’ve requested helicopters from Maryland State Police, and that first responders are dealing with extremely rough and cold conditions.”It’s a highly complex operation. The conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders,” Donnelly said.Jack Potter, the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said Reagan National Airport will remain closed until at least 11 a.m.”We did have aircraft that were in the air, they were diverted to Dulles International Airport, 19 of them,” Potter said, adding that there were no impacts to flights at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall or Dulles International airports.Video below: Some Reagan flights diverted to BWI-Marshall, others delayedSenators from Kansas, from which the flight originated, spoke at the news conference.”It’s very personal,” said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, who chairs a subcommittee on aviation. “I know that flight. I’ve flown it many times myself. I lobbied American Airlines to begin having direct, nonstop flight service to DCA. That flight has been in existence for about a year, and it’s certainly true that in Kansas, in Wichita in particular, we’re going to know people on that flight.””I want the folks back home to know that we care, we love them, and this is a time when we’ll have to join arms together and help each other out. We’ve been through things like this before — tornadoes, floods and things — but it’s really hard when you lose 60 people simultaneously,” said U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas.Video below: SkyTeam 11 Capt. Roy Taylor on DCA flight operationsORIGINAL STORY: An American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter collided Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.Sixty passengers were onboard the Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet along with four crew members, officials say. As of 11 p.m., sources say at least two bodies have been pulled from the Potomac River.The Federal Aviation Administration said that a regional jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter collided just off the runways at Reagan National. Officials said the Army helicopter was on a training flight and that three soldiers were on board.Video below shows plane collide with helicopter over Potomac River. Warning: Viewer discretion is advised.All takeoffs and landings have been stopped, officials said in a post on X.In a statement posted online, American Airlines said, in part:”American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700.”There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.”Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”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.”Video below: American Airlines CEO provides update on plane crashIn a statement, President Donald Trump said: “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”In a post on X, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Maryland State Police has deployed divers to the scene to assist with rescue missions, saying: “We are closely monitoring the aviation collision incident that occurred earlier this evening near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The State of Maryland and local authorities are engaged in response.”The (Maryland Department of Emergency Management) has raised its Emergency Operations Center to ‘Enhanced’ status in support. (Maryland State Police) have deployed divers to the scene to assist with rescue missions. (Maryland Department of Natural Resources) police are also on scene.” Video below: Officials provide update on fatal plane crash (12:54 a.m.)This is a breaking story and will be updated.
ARLINGTON, Va. —An American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter collided Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
» American Eagle Flight 5342 (Wichita, Kansas, to DCA) collides with military helicopter.» 64 people on board flight; three soldiers on board helicopter training flight.» Helicopters requested from Maryland State Police; MSP also deployed divers.» Call came in at 8:48 p.m., first responders arrived within 10 minutes.» Reagan National Airport to reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday. Flights not impacted at Dulles or BWI-Marshall.» Officials confirmed the operation has moved from a rescue effort to a recovery effort as there are no expected survivors
» 28 bodies have been recovered from the water, including 27 from the plane and one from the helicopter.
UPDATE (7:30 a.m.): Officials provide a morning update on the tragic plane crash at Reagan National Airport.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed sadness for American Airlines and the Department of Defense for the loss of life in the crash. DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said the operation was switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.
“At this point, we don’t believe there are any survivors. We’ve recovered 27 people from the plane and one from the helicopter,” Donnelly said.
“Our focus right now is doing everything we can to support all of those involved,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said. “This is devastating. We are all hurting incredibly.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy explained the conditions Wednesday night were clear.
“This was a clear night last night. The helicopter was in a standard pattern, this flight pattern is seen oftentimes if you live in D.C. The American Airlines flight coming into land was in a standard flight pattern coming into DCA. So, this was not unusual with military aircraft flying over the river and aircraft coming into land,” Duffy said.
Duffy said crews found the two aircrafts. The fuselage of the American Airlines plane was inverted, it’s been located in three different sections in about waist-deep water.
“Safety is our expectation. Everyone who flies in American skies expects that we fly safely, that when you depart the airport, you get to your destination safely. That didn’t happen last night,” Duffy said. “You should be assured that when you fly, you’re safe.”
“I want to express my sincere condolences for the accident that happened at DCA last night,” Isom said. “We’re absolutely heartbroken for the family of the passengers and the crew members and also for those that were in the military aircraft.”
DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said multiple first responders from across Maryland, including Baltimore City, took part in the crash response.
“We will begin to have aircraft moving in and out of the airport at 11 o’clock,” said Jack Potter, the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
UPDATE (3 a.m.): NBC News is reporting that figure skaters were on board the flight.
NBC cited a U.S. Figure Skating statement as saying: “These athletes, coaches and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”
UPDATE (12:54 a.m.): Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser and authorities said first responders from across the region are conducting a rescue operation in dark and cold conditions.
“We want to extend our thoughts and prayers to those individuals who are impacted by the events tonight, their families. We know that this is a difficult time for them,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.
DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said an alert was called at 8:48 p.m. for a large regional response for a plane crash. The first units arrived at the scene about 10 minutes later and began rescue operations.
Video below: Strong winds hindered onset of rescue operations after plane crash
Donnelly said they’ve requested helicopters from Maryland State Police, and that first responders are dealing with extremely rough and cold conditions.
“It’s a highly complex operation. The conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders,” Donnelly said.
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Jack Potter, the president and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said Reagan National Airport will remain closed until at least 11 a.m.
“We did have aircraft that were in the air, they were diverted to Dulles International Airport, 19 of them,” Potter said, adding that there were no impacts to flights at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall or Dulles International airports.
Video below: Some Reagan flights diverted to BWI-Marshall, others delayed
Senators from Kansas, from which the flight originated, spoke at the news conference.
“It’s very personal,” said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, who chairs a subcommittee on aviation. “I know that flight. I’ve flown it many times myself. I lobbied American Airlines to begin having direct, nonstop flight service to DCA. That flight has been in existence for about a year, and it’s certainly true that in Kansas, in Wichita in particular, we’re going to know people on that flight.”
“I want the folks back home to know that we care, we love them, and this is a time when we’ll have to join arms together and help each other out. We’ve been through things like this before — tornadoes, floods and things — but it’s really hard when you lose 60 people simultaneously,” said U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas.
Video below: SkyTeam 11 Capt. Roy Taylor on DCA flight operations
ORIGINAL STORY: An American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter collided Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Sixty passengers were onboard the Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet along with four crew members, officials say. As of 11 p.m., sources say at least two bodies have been pulled from the Potomac River.
The Federal Aviation Administration said that a regional jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter collided just off the runways at Reagan National. Officials said the Army helicopter was on a training flight and that three soldiers were on board.
Video below shows plane collide with helicopter over Potomac River. Warning: Viewer discretion is advised.
All takeoffs and landings have been stopped, officials said in a post on X.
In a statement posted online, American Airlines said, in part:
“American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700.
“There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.
“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.”
Video below: American Airlines CEO provides update on plane crash
In a statement, President Donald Trump said: “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
In a post on X, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Maryland State Police has deployed divers to the scene to assist with rescue missions, saying:
“We are closely monitoring the aviation collision incident that occurred earlier this evening near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The State of Maryland and local authorities are engaged in response.
“The (Maryland Department of Emergency Management) has raised its Emergency Operations Center to ‘Enhanced’ status in support. (Maryland State Police) have deployed divers to the scene to assist with rescue missions. (Maryland Department of Natural Resources) police are also on scene.”
Video below: Officials provide update on fatal plane crash (12:54 a.m.)
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
