Latest News

Share this article

American Airlines plane collides with helicopter; D.C. flights suspended 

An American Airlines flight travelling from Wichita (Kansas) to Washington D.C. (DCA) has collided with a US Army helicopter on approach to Reagan National Airport, crashing into the Potomac River.

An American Airlines flight travelling from Wichita (Kansas) to Washington D.C. (DCA) has collided with a US Army helicopter on approach to Reagan National Airport, crashing into the Potomac River.

According to a statement from American Airlines, there were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the flight, operated by regional carrier PSA Airlines for AA’s regional brand, American Eagle. 

The aircraft involved in the incident, operating as flight AA5342, was a CRJ-700.

D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr. said responders believe there are no survivors in the crash, the Washington Post reported.

“We are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation,” he said, confirming 27 bodies were recovered along with one from the helicopter.

In its statement, AA said, “We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts”.

“American Airlines will continue to release information as it becomes available.”

“Please monitor news.aa.com and American’s official X account @AmericanAir for the latest information.”

According to the Post, police have recovered multiple bodies from the water, sources said.

On social media platform X, Reagan National Airport said “All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA”.

“Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open,” it stated.

The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that flights are being diverted to Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport.

Potomac River
American Airlines story
Potomac River.