A passenger jet collided with a military helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River. The incident occurred just before 9 PM local time, leading to a halt in air traffic at the airport, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to American Airlines, the passenger aircraft was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members at the time of the accident.
The FAA indicated that the crash involved a regional jet that had taken off from Wichita, Kansas and a military Black Hawk helicopter. Both aircraft were descending toward the airport when they collided in midair. Details regarding the number of individuals on board either aircraft or any potential casualties have not yet been disclosed by the FAA.
Numerous helicopters from regional agencies were observed hovering over the crash site, while rescue teams launched inflatable boats from a location along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport. Efforts to locate survivors continued late into the night.
American Airlines acknowledged reports of one of its flights possibly being involved in the incident and stated that they were working to gather more information. The airline did not specify which flight was affected but promised to provide updates as they became available.
US Vice President JD Vance urged people to pray for those involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan Airport in a post on X, stating that they were closely monitoring the situation and hoping for positive outcomes.
Footage captured by a nearby observation camera at the Kennedy Center appeared to show two sets of lights, indicative of aircraft, converging before a fiery explosion illuminated the night sky over the Potomac River.
The airport announced that emergency teams were addressing an “aircraft incident on the airfield,” leading to a suspension of all takeoffs and landings as rescue operations continued.
This mid-air collision recalls the tragic crash of Air Florida Flight 90, which plunged into the icy Potomac River on January 13, 1982, after striking the 14th Street Bridge during a snowstorm, resulting in 78 fatalities and becoming one of Washington’s most notorious aviation disasters.
As of Wednesday night, details regarding what caused the collision between the jet and military helicopter remained unclear. It is also unknown whether any passengers or crew members survived.Emergency personnel from various agencies, including fire and police departments from Washington D.C., quickly mobilized following the collision, responding to areas along the Potomac River. Fireboats were deployed to search for victims, and divers entered the water in an attempt to locate survivors. The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed via social media that a multi-agency search and rescue operation was in progress.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated it was monitoring developments and gathering information about the incident. While initial reports suggested that both aircraft were descending towards Reagan National’s runway at the time of collision, NTSB has not confirmed specific details surrounding the crash.
US Senator Jerry Moran from Kansas indicated on social media that he had received confirmation that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in the incident. He extended his condolences and prayers for those on board while pledging to stay updated on the investigation.
The identity of the military helicopter involved in this crash has not yet been publicly disclosed, and officials have not provided additional information regarding its mission or personnel on board. The Black Hawk helicopter is commonly used by the U.S. military for various operations, including transport and search-and-rescue missions.
Reagan National Airport, situated just across the Potomac River from downtown Washington D.C., serves as a vital hub for domestic flights, particularly those on the East Coast. As emergency responders managed the aftermath of this crash, all takeoffs and landings at the airport were suspended, leading to significant disruptions for passengers.
The airport has not yet provided an update on when normal operations might resume. Late Wednesday evening, passengers at Reagan National Airport and those expecting arrivals were advised to check with their airlines for further instructions.
Both FAA and NTSB are expected to conduct thorough investigations into what caused this collision. Authorities will likely examine factors such as air traffic control communications, weather conditions, and any potential mechanical failures involving either aircraft.
This incident marks another aviation mishap in the Washington region; however, as of Wednesday night, it remains uncertain what its full impact will be—including potential casualties.
