A tragic midair collision involving an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., has resulted in multiple fatalities and a massive rescue effort. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening while the aircraft was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. The jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, collided with the Blackhawk helicopter, which was on a training mission with three soldiers onboard. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with authorities confirming at least 28 fatalities. The crash is being investigated by the FAA, and the incident marks a somber event in aviation history, potentially being the deadliest air crash in the U.S. in nearly two decades.
Hundreds of rescuers are combing the icy waters of the Potomac River for survivors after an American Airlines jet with 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington on Wednesday. Three soldiers were onboard the helicopter, an Army official said. The Associated Press reported multiple fatalities, but the exact number remained uncertain as rescue teams continued their search for survivors.
Images from the scene depicted boats surrounding the partially submerged wing and what appeared to be the mangled wreckage of the aircraft's fuselage. Authorities reported Thursday that at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River following the collision. Officials stated that the search for additional casualties is ongoing, but they do not anticipate finding any more survivors. This incident, if confirmed, would mark the deadliest air crash in the United States in nearly 24 years. The plane's body was discovered upside down and broken into three sections in waist-deep water, while the wreckage of the helicopter was also located. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the midair collision occurred around 9 p.m. ET when American Airlines flight 5342, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, struck the military Blackhawk helicopter while approaching the airport runway. The jet, a Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine aircraft, was at an altitude of approximately 400 feet and traveling at about 140 miles per hour when it suddenly lost altitude over the Potomac River. American Airlines confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were on the aircraft, while three soldiers are believed to have been on the helicopter – which was on a training mission. Emergency responders, including DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, and multiple federal agencies, are coordinating recovery efforts in the river. During an early morning press conference, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr. said that 300 first responders are helping at the rescue site, and that they are dealing with windy, choppy conditions, and cold water. FOX 5 meteorologist Mike Thomas reported that water temperatures in the Potomac River near the crash site were approximately 35.4 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of the incident. According to the National Weather Service, individuals exposed to such temperatures could lose consciousness within 10 to 15 minutes
Aviation Accidents National News AIR CRASH POTOMAC RIVER AMERICAN AIRLINES HELICOPTER COLLISION RONALD REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT WASHINGTON D.C. FATALITIES FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fatal Collision at Washington Airport: American Airlines Jet Crashes With Army HelicopterA tragic accident occurred at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, where an American Airlines jet collided with an Army helicopter during landing, resulting in multiple fatalities. This incident raises concerns about air safety and the rarity of fatal commercial aircraft crashes in the U.S. The NTSB is investigating the incident.
Read more »
American Airlines Plane Collides with Army Helicopter near Reagan National AirportA search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River after an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport. All takeoffs and landings at DCA have been halted.
Read more »
American Airlines Jet Collides with Army Helicopter Near Reagan National AirportA multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River after a small American Airlines aircraft collided with an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the midair collision occurred around 9 p.m. ET when American Airlines flight 5342, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, struck the military Blackhawk helicopter while approaching the airport runway.
Read more »
Mid-Air Collision at Reagan National Airport Involves Army Helicopter and American Airlines JetA major search and rescue operation is underway after an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines jet at Reagan National Airport in Virginia. The incident occurred Wednesday evening, involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. There are reports of casualties, but the extent is unknown. The FAA and authorities are investigating the cause of the collision.
Read more »
American Airlines jet collides with Army helicopter at Reagan AirportA jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members has collided with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River.
Read more »
American Airlines regional jet collides with Army helicopter near DC airport; fatalities confirmedSources say confirmed fatalities; 60 passengers, 4 crew on board jet while helicopter carried 3
Read more »