Washington DC Plane Crash: Passenger Jet, 60 passenger, Collide With US Military Chopper
Passenger Jet Collision: An American Airlines regional jet, operating as Flight 5342, collided midair with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. The incident occurred around 9 PM local time as the plane was approaching the runway. The jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three soldiers on board.
Crash Details: The collision resulted in the passenger jet crashing into the Potomac River. Eyewitness reports described a massive fireball in the sky at the time of the crash. Emergency services have since mobilized to conduct search and rescue operations in the river.
Casualties and Response: Authorities fear fatalities, although specific numbers have not been confirmed. Emergency responders are actively searching the icy waters of the Potomac River, where conditions pose significant risks of hypothermia for potential survivors. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation and expressed condolences for those involved.
Investigation and Airport Operations: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded all flights at Reagan National Airport following the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the crash.
This tragic event marks one of the most severe aviation incidents in recent years involving a passenger aircraft in the United States.
