A tragic midair collision between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., has left rescue teams scrambling to locate survivors in the frigid waters of the Potomac River. The incident occurred Wednesday night as the commercial plane approached Reagan National Airport, resulting in an explosive crash that has raised questions about air traffic safety in the densely populated region.
The Collision and Immediate Aftermath
American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided with an Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter near the Potomac River at approximately 9 p.m. The helicopter, based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, had a crew of three onboard.
The collision caused a massive explosion, captured on a live webcam operated by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The video shows a fireball and a trail of smoke descending toward the river. Emergency responders, including helicopters, police boats, and divers, rushed to the scene to search for survivors.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
As of late Wednesday, officials had not confirmed the number of casualties. The Bombardier CRJ700 passenger jet was nearly full, with 64 people onboard, while the Army helicopter had a crew of three. Rescue teams faced challenging conditions as they worked in the cold, dark waters of the Potomac.
“We are doing everything we can to locate survivors and provide assistance,” said a spokesperson for Washington’s fire emergency department.
What Caused the Crash?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the passenger jet was on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport when the collision occurred. The Army has not yet commented on the helicopter’s mission or flight path at the time of the crash.
Authorities are investigating whether air traffic control errors, mechanical failures, or other factors contributed to the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team to lead the investigation.
A History of Air Safety in the D.C. Area
The Washington, D.C., area is one of the most heavily monitored airspaces in the world, with strict regulations to prevent accidents. However, this incident highlights the risks of operating aircraft in a densely populated region with multiple airports and military installations.
In 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River shortly after takeoff from Reagan National Airport, killing 78 people. The tragedy led to significant changes in aviation safety protocols.
What’s Next?
As rescue efforts continue, officials are urging the public to avoid the area to allow emergency teams to work unimpeded. The FAA and NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For now, the focus remains on locating survivors and supporting the families of those onboard both aircraft.
