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.
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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.”
