An air tragedy involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter occurred over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night.
Some media reports estimate that the passenger plane was carrying 60 passengers and crew members.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the two aircraft collided around 9 p.m. local time while the commercial plane was landing, heading toward Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
"A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation," the FAA said in a statement.
The flight had originated from Wichita, Kansas.
Emergency response teams, including the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, immediately launched search and rescue efforts in the Potomac River. Rescue boats were deployed to the crash site to assist in recovering any survivors.
As a precaution, all flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were temporarily suspended to facilitate the emergency response. The FAA has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the collision.
“All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update,” Reagan Airport posted on X.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran expressed concern upon learning that the passenger plane had originated from Kansas.
"Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved," he posted on X.
Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency responders to carry out their work.
This incident has attracted widespread media attention due to the involvement of multiple agencies working in unison to manage the situation and provide assistance.
Rescue operations are still in progress, and further details are awaited.
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