American Eagle CRJ700 crashes into river following midair collision with military helicopter

An American Eagle Bombardier CRJ700 aircraft crashed into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on Wednesday night after colliding midair with a U.S. military helicopter. The accident resulted in the immediate grounding of all outbound flights and the diversion of inbound aircraft to nearby airports.

The aircraft, operating as American Eagle Flight 5342, was en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) when the collision occurred just east of the airport. According to FlightAware data, the flight’s tracking information became unavailable shortly before 9:00 p.m. The aircraft was scheduled to land on Runway 33 at the time of the incident.

American Airlines confirmed that Flight 5342 was operated by PSA Airlines, a wholly-owned regional subsidiary. In an official statement, the airline acknowledged the incident, stating: “We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita to Washington Reagan National Airport, has been involved in an incident. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

Emergency response teams, including Washington D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, deployed fire boats to the crash site. The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) assisted with search and rescue operations. According to NBC News, the first reports of the crash were received around 8:53 p.m.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the involved military aircraft was a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation, with the FAA and military authorities assisting. “The NTSB will lead the investigation,” the agency stated. “We will provide updates as information comes in.”

American Airlines later confirmed that 64 individuals, including 60 passengers and four crew members, were on board Flight 5342. The airline expressed concern for those on board and assured that it was coordinating with authorities on emergency response efforts.

The status of survivors remains unclear. According to NBC News, the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter had three crew members on board at the time of the collision.

Footage from the EarthCam at the Kennedy Center captured the moment of impact, showing an explosion followed by debris falling into the river. Reports indicate that the CRJ700 was split in two and submerged in approximately seven feet of water. First responders faced challenges in accessing the wreckage due to instability in the water.

Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents PSA Airlines flight attendants, described the event as “tragic.” “Our union is responding to the tragic midair collision of PSA Flight 5342 with a military helicopter. Two AFA Flight Attendants were crewing the flight. We are mobilizing to support the families and crews affected while also sending strength to first responders. We urge the public to avoid speculation and respect the process of informing loved ones first.”

The military confirmed that the involved helicopter was an Army UH-60 Black Hawk from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir. It was engaged in a training exercise at the time of the crash. The military has pledged full cooperation with civilian authorities in the ongoing investigation.

Following the crash, all flight operations at Reagan National Airport were suspended, with authorities confirming that the airport would remain closed until at least 5:00 a.m. Thursday. Flights scheduled for Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, including PSA Airlines Flight 5334 to Burlington and Flight 5509’s return to DCA, have been canceled.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom addressed the incident in a late-night video statement: “I’d like to express our deep sorrow regarding these tragic events. This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines. Our focus is entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, first responders, and their loved ones.”

Authorities continue to assess the situation as search and recovery efforts remain underway. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

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