Deadly Midair Collision Between Passenger Jet and Black Hawk Helicopter Near Reagan Airport
WASHINGTON D.C. – A midair collision between a commercial jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday night has triggered a major emergency response. The American Eagle flight, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, was approaching the runway with 60 passengers and four crew members when the crash occurred just before 9 p.m. ET. The helicopter, based out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, carried three soldiers.
A visible explosion was reported following the collision, which was partially captured by a nearby webcam. Early reports suggest the jet, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, may have crashed into the Potomac River. DC Fire and EMS, along with multiple partner agencies, have launched a search and rescue operation in the river. All flights at Reagan National Airport have been grounded.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts,”1 American Airlines said in a statement.
The White House confirmed President Trump has been briefed on the incident. “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,”2 the President stated.
The complex airspace around Reagan National, with its challenging approaches and proximity to government buildings, is known for heavy traffic, including both commercial and military aircraft. This accident marks a potentially significant aviation disaster, the most serious in U.S. airspace since the 2009 Colgan Air crash near Buffalo, New York. Information remains fluid, and authorities are continuing to assess the situation.
