A catastrophic mid-air crash between a commercial passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred near Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night, which grounded all flights and elicited a massive emergency response. The accident happened about 9 p.m. EST and caused the commercial passenger jet to crash into the Potomac River. The authorities are investigating the accident as the emergency crews work on the crash site.
FAA Confirms Mid-Air Crash
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the collision happened as the Bombardier regional jet, operated by PSA Airlines, was approaching the airport. The aircraft had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and was carrying approximately 60 passengers.
For more information, visit https://t.co/ECDOdj1kdr. pic.twitter.com/Z5vWq4vUJ2
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) January 30, 2025
According to the FAA, there was another helicopter Black Hawk in the air when the two aircraft crashed. Just before the crash occurred, an air traffic controller had asked the helicopter whether it had a sight of the arriving plane saying, “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?”
LISTEN : ATC audio of the DC crash captures the moment ATC operators ask the helicopter if they have the American Eagle flight in sight.
ATC: PAT25…do you have the CRJ in sight?
ATC: PAT25…(inaudiable) have the CRJ?
PAT25: PAT25 has the aircraft in sight. Clear of… pic.twitter.com/4EVEwh1lpQ
— Zach Covey (@ZachCoveyTV) January 30, 2025
Another transmission instructed the helicopter, “PAT 25, pass behind the CRJ.” However, there was no response from the helicopter, and the two aircraft crashed seconds later.
Eyewitness Accounts and Social Media Footage
Witnesses reported a fiery explosion in the sky before the jet crashed into the river. Ari Schulman, who was driving home at the time, described seeing “a stream of sparks” trailing from the plane before it fell. “The aircraft was lit up a very bright yellow,” he added.
A chilling video of the crash surfaced on social media, showing the moment the two aircraft collided. Another pilot near the scene was heard saying, “Tower, did you see that?” in audio from the air traffic control tower.
White House Officials Respond
President Donald Trump was briefed about the accident and later expressed his condolences. “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident. May God bless their souls,” Trump said in a statement. He also praised the emergency responders for their swift action, calling their efforts “incredible.”
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall took to social media to describe the incident as “nothing short of a nightmare.” He urged authorities to provide more details and called for prayers for the victims and first responders.
Emergency Response and Search Efforts
Rescue teams, including fireboats and helicopters, reached the crash site within minutes. The search for survivors was complicated by the near-freezing temperatures of the Potomac River and the darkness of the night. Law enforcement agencies, including the Washington police and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are assisting in the investigation.
Officials have yet to release information about casualties. American Airlines, whose subsidiary PSA Airlines operated the flight, acknowledged the incident and issued a brief statement. “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.”
Flights Suspended, Investigation Underway
Following the crash, all flights to and from Reagan National Airport were immediately suspended. The FAA has launched a full investigation into the cause of the accident. Authorities will examine air traffic control recordings, aircraft wreckage, and possible mechanical failures to determine the cause of the tragedy.
The mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport has raised concerns about aviation safety and air traffic control coordination. With ongoing rescue operations and an active investigation, authorities are expected to release further details in the coming days. Meanwhile, travelers are advised to check with airlines for flight disruptions related to the incident.