By The Sampadak Express
On Wednesday night, a devastating mid-air collision occurred near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The crash, which took place around 9 p.m. EST, led to an explosion and massive fireball, sending shockwaves through the area and prompting an immediate emergency response.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the passenger jet, en route from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching the runway for landing when it collided with the military helicopter. The crash site, located just north of the airport near the Potomac River, led to the grounding of all flights at the airport and a large-scale search and rescue operation.
At least two bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, according to local reports, and search efforts continue for the remaining passengers and crew. The American Airlines regional jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members at the time of the incident.
Witnesses to the crash described a terrifying scene in the sky. Ari Schulman, who was driving nearby, recalled seeing “a stream of sparks” followed by a burst of flames. “It looked like a Roman candle,” he told CNN, describing the aftermath of the collision as the aircraft plummeted toward the river.
A chilling video of the incident, though blurry, surfaced online shortly after the crash, capturing the moment of impact followed by a fireball in the sky. The footage has since spread widely on social media, drawing reactions of shock and disbelief.
American Airlines confirmed the involvement of one of its flights, American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines. The airline issued a statement acknowledging the incident and pledged to provide further details as they become available.
Search-and-Rescue Operation Underway
In the aftermath of the crash, emergency responders, including fireboats and helicopters, were quickly deployed to the Potomac River to search for survivors. Law enforcement agencies, such as the U.S. Park Police, the DC Metropolitan Police, and U.S. military personnel, joined the efforts, scouring the area for any remaining passengers.
The FAA worked to manage air traffic in the region, with all takeoffs and landings at the airport halted to facilitate the response. The search operation remains ongoing, with authorities securing the area around the airport and river.
Federal Response and Ongoing Investigation
Government officials were swiftly briefed on the situation, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming that President Donald Trump had been informed. Vice President JD Vance also urged followers to “say a prayer for everyone involved” on social media.
The FAA has been working with air traffic controllers to redirect incoming flights, and emergency services remain active in the area. Audio from air traffic control revealed communication between controllers and the helicopter, with one controller asking if the passenger jet was in sight just before the crash. Another pilot, seconds after the collision, can be heard reporting, “Tower, did you see that?”
The crash site is located near the Potomac River, a site marked by another tragic aviation disaster in 1982, when an Air Florida flight crashed into the river, killing 78 people. This has led to comparisons between the two incidents, though authorities are still working to determine the exact cause of Wednesday night’s collision.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now involved in investigating the crash, gathering information on the circumstances surrounding the collision. While no official casualties have been confirmed, the situation remains fluid as search-and-rescue teams continue their work.
As of now, Ronald Reagan National Airport remains closed, and authorities are focused on recovering any survivors while securing the scene for further investigation.
