Fatal Collision near Washington D.C.: 18 Dead in Mid-Air Collision between American Airlines Jet and Military Helicopter

At least 18 people have been confirmed dead after an American Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with a military helicopter near Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night. The incident occurred just five kilometers from the White House, when the American Eagle Flight 5342, which had 64 people on board, collided with a Blackhawk helicopter.

Both aircrafts collided when the passenger jet was approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport for landing. The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) confirmed the flight, operated by PSA Airlines, collided with a Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during its descent around 9 p.m. local time. The collision was captured in a blurry, chilling video that quickly spread on social media, showing the mid-air crash followed by a massive fireball.

American Airlines confirmed that the flight, traveling from Kansas to Washington D.C., was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The military Blackhawk helicopter was conducting a training flight with three soldiers on board, although no senior military officials were present. Emergency crews responded rapidly, but the dark conditions and rough river current posed significant challenges to rescuers.

Authorities have recovered at least 18 bodies from the Potomac River so far. Fireboats and emergency personnel, including divers, have been deployed to search for any remaining victims. The FAA grounded all flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport in response to the disaster. Multiple agencies have joined the rescue efforts as they continue to search the river, which remains difficult to navigate due to the rough weather.

In a statement, American Airlines expressed deep concern for the people on board. "Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft," the airline said. "We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts." The airline also confirmed that it was cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is investigating the crash.

CEO Robert Isom shared his condolences in a video message saying, "American Airlines care team has been activated to assist our passengers and their families. We are cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board and its investigation."

President Donald Trump expressed his shock at the incident, saying he had been fully briefed on the "terrible accident." Trump also criticized the control tower, asking, “Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane?” He added that the crash “should have been prevented.”

American Airlines has set up a toll-free helpline at 800-679-8215 for anyone concerned about their loved ones on the flight. Those calling from outside the U.S. are advised to visit the airline’s news website for further contact information. For those in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, the same helpline number can be used.​