Flight 5342, operating as an American Eagle flight collided mid-air with a U.S. military UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter over Washington, D.C.
American Airlines #AA5342 carrying 60 passengers and crew collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
The accident occurred as the Bombardier CRJ-700 aircraft (registration N709PS) was making its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) from Wichita, Kansas (ICT).
Following the collision, the American Airlines jet crashed into the Potomac River, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Fireboats and rescue teams were immediately deployed to the scene, while the airport was temporarily shut down.
Reports indicate that the military helicopter involved in the collision was designated as a “PAT” (Priority Air Transport), which suggests that a high-ranking military official may have been on board.
Adding to the mystery, the Blackhawk reportedly did not have its transponder activated at the time of the crash, raising questions about how the accident occurred in such a highly regulated airspace.
Authorities are actively searching for survivors, with initial reports suggesting that 60 passengers and four crew members were on board the aircraft.
UPDATE #1
At least 18 bodies have been recovered.
UPDATE #2
President Trump confirms “Sadly there are no survivors”.
UPDATE #3
No black boxes have been recovered from the crash scene yet, a National Transportation Safety Board source said.
UPDATE #4
Among victims are coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, Russian former world champions. The married couple won the world championships in pairs figure skating in 1994.
UPDATE #5
Reagan National Airport’s runways have reopened, according to the FAA.
UPDATE #6
At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River.
