Tragedy struck at the Washington National Airport near Washington DC as an American Airlines passenger plane collided mid-air with a Blackhawk military helicopter, leaving around 70 people feared dead. All runways were closed, and all departures and landings were cancelled following the incident. The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) confirmed that American Airlines Flight 5342 operated by PSA Airlines collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter on its approach to the Reagan National Airport runway.
The crash occurred just over three miles south of the White House and the Capitol in one of the most tightly controlled and monitored airspace in the world. The US Army confirmed that a Sikorsky H-60 Blackhawk helicopter was involved in the crash and was on a training flight. Reports indicated that 19 bodies had been recovered from the water, with the death toll expected to rise further.
With approximately 60 passengers and four crew members on the American Airlines plane, the aircraft was split in two and partially submerged in about seven feet of water. The helicopter was reported to be upside down and unstable in the water, obstructing divers from accessing it. Emergency response teams, including the FBI, confirmed there was no indication of criminality or terrorism in the crash at that stage.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance expressed their condolences and prayers for the victims and their families. The FBI and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) initiated an investigation into the collision. American Airlines stated they were aware of the incident involving Flight 5342 and would provide updates as more information became available.
The tragic event prompted a massive emergency response with multiple agencies involved in search and rescue operations along the Potomac River. The crash marked a somber moment in aviation history, reminding the nation of the inherent risks and potential consequences of air travel. As authorities work to investigate the cause of the collision, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and honouring the memories of those lost in the disaster.