Military Helicopter and Passenger Jet Collide Near Washington, D.C. Airport

Ronald Reagan National Airport suspended operations due to an aircraft emergency.

A midair collision occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on Wednesday evening between a US military helicopter and a regional passenger jet operated by a subsidiary of American Airlines, resulting in the immediate halting of all flights and a major emergency response.

The FAA confirmed that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, American Airlines Flight 5342, en route from Wichita, Kansas, was approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter around 9 p.m. local time.

According to Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, approximately 60 passengers were on board the plane. The Bombardier CRJ700 typically has a capacity of up to 78 passengers and a crew of four. The Sikorsky H-60 usually has a crew of three to four, plus up to 11 additional personnel. The precise number of people on both aircraft and the extent of casualties remain unknown.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the crash, stating that President Trump received a briefing on the incident.

“Sadly, a military helicopter and a regional jet collided at DCA Airport in Washington, D.C.,” Leavitt told Fox News. She offered the Trump administration’s condolences and urged the public to follow law enforcement instructions.

“My prayers are with every victim and their families. Words cannot express the difficulty of this situation,” Marshall posted on X.

DC Fire and EMS initially reported on X that a small aircraft had crashed into the Potomac River near the airport, prompting a response from fireboats and other emergency services. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) also reported an apparent air crash and confirmed a multi-agency search and rescue operation in the river.

“A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River following an aircraft crash,” MPD stated on X. The department clarified that its own helicopter was not involved but is aiding in rescue efforts.

The airport announced a halt to all takeoffs and landings due to the aircraft emergency. The terminal remained open to passengers.

Authorities are requesting the public avoid the area to facilitate emergency response operations.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW