Updated 9:45 a.m. – A mid-air collision near Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday night claimed the lives of more than 60 individuals, including passengers and crew members from an American Airlines flight and military personnel.

The crash occurred at 8:48 p.m. as American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was descending into the airport, colliding with a military helicopter on a standard training mission.

Authorities have confirmed that there are no survivors from the accident. The flight, which had 60 passengers and four crew members aboard, was on its final approach to DCA when it collided with the helicopter, which was also in a routine flight pattern along the Potomac River.

The military helicopter, part of a training mission, took off from Fort Belvoir. Among the passengers on the American Airlines flight were several prominent ice skaters, including Russian-born former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, as well as multiple U.S. ice skaters, their families, and coaches, who were returning from events in Wichita, Kansas.

First responders from across the region, including the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, DC Fire and EMS, and Prince William County Fire and Rescue, worked through the night in challenging conditions, including frigid temperatures and ice-covered waters, to recover the victims’ bodies.

Prince William County Fire and Rescue assisted with the regional recovery efforts, dispatching several units to the scene:

• Command 3 (Mobile Command Post) with one staff member, who was released and returned overnight.
• Boat 512 with four staff members remained on the scene overnight and continues to assist as needed.
• Two additional staff members were dispatched to assist with the regional incident management team (IMT).

The incident has since deescalated and is now considered a recovery mission.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed sorrow, offering condolences to the victims’ families and urging those seeking information about their loved ones to contact the airline’s helpline. He also confirmed that the airline’s care team assists families during this difficult time.

During a press briefing, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed their grief for the loss of life. They praised the heroic efforts of the first responders. “Our hearts are with all those affected by this tragedy, and we are doing everything possible to support the victims’ families,” said Mayor Bowser. “This is a deeply sad moment for Washington, D.C., and the nation.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary information suggests that both aircraft were operating within standard flight paths, but further inquiry will be needed to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the crash. “This should not have happened,” Secretary Duffy stated. “We will work tirelessly to uncover the truth and ensure that safety protocols are fully understood and followed.”

Airport operations will resume at 11 a.m. Thursday, with flights returning to a regular schedule, though disruptions are expected as recovery efforts continue.

A mid-air collision occurred Wednesday evening over the Potomac River involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342, and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter. At least 30 bodies have been recovered so far.

The crash occurred around 9 p.m. local time while the Bombardier CRJ700 approached Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on its flight from Wichita, Kansas. The collision prompted a large-scale rescue operation, with more than 300 first responders deployed.

Rescue Efforts in Challenging Conditions

The crash site, located in the Potomac River, is surrounded by icy and dark waters, complicating efforts to recover survivors. D.C. Fire and EMS, along with local and regional fire departments, police, and the U.S. Coast Guard, have been working tirelessly to locate and retrieve victims from the wreckage. Chief John Donnelly of D.C. Fire and EMS highlighted the dangers of the situation, saying, “The water we’re operating in is about eight feet deep. There is wind and pieces of ice, making it extremely dangerous and difficult to work.”

At the time of the collision, 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the American Airlines flight, while three personnel were aboard the military helicopter. The U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies have focused on saving lives, continuing rescue operations through the night.

Federal and Local Support

Mayor Muriel Bowser and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy held a press conference late Tuesday, offering condolences to the victims and promising full support for the ongoing rescue operation. Secretary Duffy emphasized that the President has committed all necessary resources to assist in the recovery efforts. U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas also expressed their deep sorrow and pledged support for the victims’ families.

“We are deeply concerned for the passengers and crew aboard American Airlines Flight 5342,” said an American Airlines spokesperson. The airline has set up a toll-free hotline at 800-679-8215 for loved ones seeking information about those on board.

Impact on Airport Operations

In response to the crash, Reagan National Airport temporarily halted all flights, and the terminal remains operational while authorities investigate. The airport will remain closed until at least 11 a.m. Wednesday, while 19 aircraft were diverted to other nearby airports. Other airports, including Dulles International, have not been affected.

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the collision, with the NTSB taking the lead. Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police (MPD) have confirmed that multiple calls were received at 8:53 p.m. reporting the crash, prompting the rescue operation. No casualties have been confirmed, but authorities are continuing to assess the situation.

The NTSB has announced that further updates on the investigation will be provided once the rescue efforts are concluded.

As recovery efforts continue in the cold, dark waters of the Potomac River, officials are urging residents to respect the work of first responders and avoid interfering with the operation. A press update is expected at 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

The Center Square: “A recent poll shows a majority of Northern Virginia residents support expanding the flight distance perimeter around Reagan National Airport, allowing the airport to accommodate more routes, thus making fares more competitive, according to supporters of the measure.”

“Recent legislation introduced by Utah congressmen Burgess Owens and Hank Johnson, known as The Direct Capital Access Act, part of the 2023 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization bill, would allow for the increase and creation of longer-haul flights in and out of Reagan. The legislation would add 28 flights in and out of the 1960s-era perimeter rule for incoming and outgoing flights.”