American Airlines Plane Carrying 64 People Crashes Midair with Army Black Hawk Helicopter Over Washington, D.C.

An American Airlines regional passenger plane with a seating capacity between 66 and 78 collided with a helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

The FAA said in a statement that the incident involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. CNN reported that it was an Army Black Hawk helicopter, citing two U.S. defense officials.

The collision occurred as they were approaching Runway 33 around 9 p.m. local time.

“PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation,” the statement said.

American Airlines confirmed the news in a statement on X.

“We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available,” the statement read.

Regan National Airport said in its own statement on X that all “all takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA.”

“Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update,” the statement added.

The Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement that multiple agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River and “there is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.” DC Fire and EMS added that there are fireboats on the scene.

President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation, per NBC News.

This story is developing.

Read the original article on People

EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel