Dozens of people are feared dead after a passenger plane traveling from Kansas collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, and plunged into the Potomac River.
American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a helicopter, which the Federal Aviation Administration revealed was a military Black Hawk Sikorsky H-60. A webcam video from the Kennedy Center captured the incident.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls,” President Donald Trump said in a statement. “Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arrive.”
NBC Washington’s Mark Segraves, speaking with two sources on the scene, reported that the airplane had split into two pieces and was in 7 feet of water, closer to the Washington, D.C., side of the river. The helicopter was bobbing upside down, with rescue divers unable to access it due to instability.
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) announced on X, “We know there are fatalities,” and added that he would receive a briefing from the FAA on Thursday.
Law enforcement authorities, however, have not announced any numbers or information on fatalities. Roughly 60 passengers are believed to have been on board the plane.
Vice President JD Vance responded to the crash on X, saying, “Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Department of Defense was “actively monitoring” and “poised to assist if needed.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy added that he was on-site at FAA headquarters.
NBC News reported that the water temperature near the crash was 35 degrees.
The FBI said there is no indication of criminality or terrorism regarding the crash.
Reagan airport suspended all takeoffs and landings after the crash, which occurred at approximately 9 p.m. Eastern.
“Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update,” the airport said.
The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department said fireboats had been deployed. The FAA added that it and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, with the latter leading the inquiry.
Video posted on social media showed police aircraft and fireboats surveying the area.
All water rescue boats from the general area have been dispatched.
A statement from the Army said the helicopter had flown out from Fort Belvoir, southwest of Washington, D.C.
“We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available,” the statement read. The Army later added that the helicopter was on a “training flight” at the time of the crash.
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Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) said he was aware of the crash in a post on X:
“Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved.”
