Washington, DC — A regional passenger plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter Wednesday night near Washington Reagan National Airport, triggering a large-scale emergency response. The aircraft, American Airlines Flight 5342 operated by PSA Airlines, was approaching the airport’s runway when the mid-air collision occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the PSA-operated Bombardier CRJ700 collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Blackhawk helicopter above the Potomac River. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, and emergency services are conducting search and rescue operations at the scene.
My god this video is terrifying. This is a look at the plane crash just minutes ago at the Reagan National Airport. Plane apparently crashed into the Potomac River.
pic.twitter.com/2uYH4vw3Cy— P.T. Ward (@HTWardish) January 30, 2025
DC Police and local fire officials reported receiving calls about the incident at 8:53 p.m. local time. “There is no confirmed information on casualties at this time,” authorities said in a joint statement.
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Kansas Senator Roger Marshall, whose state is home to Wichita’s Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport—the departure point for Flight 5342—expressed his shock and grief on social media. “Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as a nightmare,” Marshall wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. He confirmed that he is in touch with authorities seeking answers and offering prayers for the victims.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. “Many agencies are working on this response right now… to save as many lives as possible,” Leavitt said during a televised interview on FOX News. She urged the public to remain calm as rescue efforts continue.
Vice President JD Vance also addressed the tragedy on social media, asking the nation to “say a prayer for everyone involved” while monitoring the response efforts.
American Airlines acknowledged reports of the incident involving Flight 5342 but has not released further details. The airline pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Audio between PAT25 and DCA tower asking if they have the CRJ in sight. Affirms and requests visual separation. pic.twitter.com/6VAxx9zmv5
— NOVA Scanner Updates (@NOVAScanner) January 30, 2025
Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas confirmed they are in contact with local and federal authorities. “Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. Please join me in praying for all involved,” Moran wrote on X.
As emergency responders continue to work near Gravelly Point and the Potomac River, federal agencies remain focused on rescue and recovery. The FAA emphasized that its initial report is based on preliminary information and could change as the investigation develops.
