A passenger aircraft departing from Wichita, Kansas, tragically crashed into the Potomac River shortly before 9 p.m. on Thursday evening after colliding with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C., as reported by U.S. media outlets. The ill-fated aircraft was carrying 60 passengers along with four crew members, while the helicopter had three individuals onboard.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the downed plane was a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by American Airlines' PSA, traveling from Wichita to Reagan National Airport. The collision occurred during the aircraft's approach to runway 33, splitting the plane in two. According to a preliminary official report, at least 18 bodies have been recovered. Unfortunately, there are no survivors.
The wreckage scattered across the Potomac River is submerged in water ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 meters deep. Divers, who accessed part of the plane's cockpit, discovered luggage and one of the black boxes. Military and Department of Defense officials confirmed the involved helicopter was a Sikorsky H-60 "Black Hawk." CNN verified that the helicopter carried a crew of three and did not transport any VIPs.
President Donald Trump expressed outrage over the incident. "The aircraft was on a perfect and routine approach path to the airport. The helicopter was heading directly for the plane for an extended period. It's a clear night, the plane's lights were on, why didn't the helicopter ascend, descend, or turn? Why didn't the control tower instruct the helicopter instead of asking if they saw the plane?" questioned the president.
Senator Roger Marshall shared his distress on social media. "Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. A plane traveling to the nation's capital from Wichita, carrying approximately 60 passengers, collided with a military helicopter. My prayer is that God embraces each and every victim and continues to be with their families," Marshall wrote.
The airline released a brief statement regarding the incident. "We have been made aware that American Airlines flight 5342, operated by PSA, serving from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington's Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available," they stated.
The crash brings back memories of the 1982 tragedy when Air Florida flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River, also near Reagan National Airport. That disaster claimed the lives of 74 people (70 passengers and four crew members), with only five survivors.
The Mayor of Washington is scheduled to hold a press conference to provide further details about the accident at 7:30 a.m.
Details of the Potomac River Aviation Accident
What type of aircraft was involved in the accident?
The downed aircraft was a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by PSA for American Airlines.
How many people were on board the helicopter?
The military helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60 "Black Hawk," carried three crew members.
Were there any survivors in the crash?
Unfortunately, there were no survivors from the crash.
What did President Trump say about the accident?
President Trump expressed anger and questioned why the helicopter did not change its course and why the control tower did not provide instructions.