A passenger jet and a helicopter collided near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday evening, leading to a significant emergency response and a search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. Authorities have not confirmed any casualties, but the incident resulted in a halt of all takeoffs and landings at the airport, located just southwest of Washington, D.C.
The incident involved American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-701 aircraft, which was descending toward the airport at around 400 feet and traveling at 140 mph when it experienced a sudden loss of altitude over the Potomac River. The jet, which can carry up to 70 passengers, was manufactured in 2004 and reportedly has 64 passengers onboard at the time of the incident. The collision occurred at a critical stage of landing, triggering immediate air traffic control response.
In the moments following the crash, a controller from the air traffic control tower was heard on radio communication asking the helicopter pilot, “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?” The pilot’s response was followed by a separate call from another aircraft, “Tower, did you see that?” indicating a sense of urgency.
While no immediate details on the number of passengers or injuries have been disclosed, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and emergency services have launched a comprehensive search for any potential victims in the Potomac River, which borders the airport.
The helicopter involved in the collision was reportedly operated by the U.S. Army, according to later reports.
Reagan National Airport, a hub for travelers due to its proximity to the nation’s capital, is known for offering scenic views of major landmarks such as the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, and the National Mall, making it a popular airport for both domestic and international travelers.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident, and the FAA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
References:
- FAA and emergency response reports
- Air Traffic Control Communications
- White House Press Briefing
| Ronald Reagan National Airport Image Credit: Mariordo Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz CC-BY-SA-3.0 |
