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An American Airlines CRJ and a Military Blackhawk Helicopter collides Mid Air

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Runway 33.

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Helicopter and Plane mid air collision in America - Aviation in Nepal
Helicopter and Plane mid air collision in America - Aviation in Nepal

Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the Potomac River following a midair collision Wednesday night between a plane carrying 64 people and a Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers. The collision occurred while the aircrafts were attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, just outside Washington, D.C.

As a result of the incident, all flights at the airport were grounded.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Runway 33 at the airport around 9 p.m. local time. The American Airlines-operated plane had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.

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An Army official, along with multiple sources, confirmed the involvement of an Army Black Hawk helicopter in the collision. The Army later verified the helicopter was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, with three soldiers on board, though no senior officers were present.

A dispatcher, heard in scanner audio from air traffic control, stated, “The accident happened in the river. Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river.”

American Airlines acknowledged the incident in a statement, confirming that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was involved.

President Trump was briefed on the situation, with the White House press secretary stating that he had been made aware of the crash. Later, President Trump expressed his condolences, saying, “May God Bless their souls,” and thanked first responders for their efforts.

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A livestream camera at the Kennedy Center captured the moment of the collision, showing an explosion in the Potomac River at 8:47 p.m.

The District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department confirmed the crash occurred in the vicinity of the airport. The FBI stated that, at this time, the incident is not being treated as a criminal act.

The D.C. Police Department reported that multiple agencies are coordinating search and rescue operations in the river. The U.S. Park Police aviation unit is involved in the search, and the Pentagon, through Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, confirmed they are actively monitoring the situation and ready to assist if necessary.

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