A regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided mid-air with a U.S. Army helicopter while approaching Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River and prompting a massive emergency response.
The American Airlines flight, en route from Wichita, Kansas, was descending toward Runway 33 when it struck an Army UH-60 Black Hawk from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, around 9 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Search and Rescue Underway
Emergency responders, including the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, immediately launched a multi-agency search-and-rescue operation in the frigid waters of the Potomac. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that approximately 300 personnel were involved in the effort.
During an early morning press conference Thursday, officials declined to confirm casualties, but Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) stated on social media that fatalities had occurred, though he did not specify how many.
“Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway,” Cruz posted.
Federal Response and Investigation
The Army confirmed that the Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, was conducting a routine training flight when the collision occurred.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he was at FAA headquarters monitoring the situation, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that all available U.S. Coast Guard resources were being deployed.
Meanwhile, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom assured that the airline was fully cooperating with investigators and had established a hotline for families of passengers.
Political Leaders React
The White House quickly responded, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that President Trump had been briefed and was monitoring developments.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire Trump administration are with all those who are involved,” Leavitt said.
Trump later issued a statement thanking first responders and expressing condolences. He also took to Truth Social, questioning the circumstances of the crash:
“It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn?” he wrote. “This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”
Other officials, including Vice President Vance and members of Congress from Kansas, expressed their concern and urged prayers for the victims.
Airport Operations Disrupted
Reagan National Airport temporarily halted all takeoffs and landings following the crash, announcing that the airport would remain closed until at least 11 a.m. Thursday.
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