An airplane has reportedly crashed at Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, DC, grounding all takeoffs and landings.
Update: 1:00 a.m. ET: PRESS CONFERENCE:
- Fire Department says 300 first responders are are carrying out a “highly complex operation.”
- This flight route from Kansas direct to Reagan National (DCA) has only been operating for about a year.
- Airport Authority says crews are providing support to families. American Airlines set up rooms for families and counselors. “We are in a rescue mode.”
- Both aircraft are in the water. Divers are working both aircraft.
- 64 people were on the American Airlines flight, and three crew members were on the helicopter.
- FAA and NTSB will be conducting the investigation.
- American Airlines number for family members is 1-800-679-8215.
- Sen. Roger Marshall said, “When one person dies it’s a tragedy, but when many, many, many people die it’s an unbearable sorrow.”
- No deaths were confirmed by officials during the press conference.
- Washington Fire Chief John Donnelly said the water is “dark and murky.
Update: 12:35 a.m. ET: The Firefighters union president described the conditions being face by first responders attempting to locate survivors in the near-freezing temperatures of the Potomac.
ABC News reports this is the first major commercial crash in the United States since 2009. The last crash involved Colgan Air Flight 3407, which crashed near Buffalo, New York.
Late Wednesday night, President Trump posted his thoughts on the circumstances surrounding the tragic crash. “What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!,” the president stated.
Update: 12:05 a.m. ET: American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a video statement on the crash of their regional jet.
An alleged recording of ATC radar shows the CRJ appearing to make a left-hand turn as it turned on final toward runway 33. The turn sends the CRJ directly into the helicopter PAT-25. Collision alert indicators appear to go off shorty before the crash.
Update: 12:05 a.m. ET: An audio recording of what appears to be a conversation between an air traffic controller and first responder dispatchers indicates the aircraft crashed in to the Potomac. “I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone.” She said the crash occurred about a half mile of the approach end of runway 33.
Update: 12:05 a.m. ET Thursday: A video posted on X by Nick Sortor appears to be taken from that passenger terminal. The crash can been side in the background as an American Airlines aircraft taxis in the foreground.
The FAA reports that Reagan National will be closed until at least 5 a.m. on Friday, January 31.
Multiple news outlets report that 18 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River.
Update: 11:55 p.m. ET: Nick Sortor is now reporting from radio traffic that 19 bodies have been recovered from the crash scene. While NBC reported the recovery of four survivors, CNN says police told them that no survivors had been rescued.
: 0px;”>Update: 11:30 p.m. ET:
Joint Task Force-National Capitol Region media chief Heather Chairez told CNN’s Natasha Bertrand, “We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training flight. We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.”
A closeup video published on X shows what appears to be the Black Hawk approaching the CRJ jet from the left of the screen. The faint dot of the helicopter continues to approach and eventually collides with the CRJ. An explosion ensues and both aircraft fall from the sky.
Another view from a dashcam of a vehicle pulling into Reagan National.
Vice President JD Vance asked for prayers for everyone involved in the collision. “We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best,” the vice president wrote.
Update: 11:20 p.m. ET: An Air Traffic Control audio posted on X appears to indicate the controller asked the helicopter (PAT-25) if they had the airliner (CRJ) in sight. Moments later, the controller seems to instruct PAT-25 to pass behind the CRJ). The exchange occurs in the opening seconds of this audio. About 30 seconds later, an unknown pilot asks “Tower, did you see that?”
WUSA CBS 9 interviewed a man waiting at Reagan National for his wife. She texted him from the flight shortly before the crash, he told the reporter. “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak. I’m just praying to God.”
Update: 11:10 p.m. ET: Breitbart Pentagon Correspondent Kristina Wong received the following from the Department of the Army:
“We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.”
Update: 11:00 p.m. ET: CNN reports that the Black Hawk helicopter was based in Fort Belvoir and carried a crew of three.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered the deployment of additional Coast Guard resources to aid recovery efforts.
A report indicates the military helicopter may not have been broadcasting ADSB (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast).
Update 10:55 p.m. ET: President Donald Trump released a statement, saying, “I have been fully briefed on the terrible incident 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,” the president added. “I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
Secretary of Defense Pet Hegseth posted on X that the DOD is “actively monitoring. Poised to assist if needed.
The American Airlines flight originated in Kansas. Governor Laura Kelly posted on X that she is aware of the crash and is “actively in contact with authorities.”
Update 10:45 p.m. ET: Washington Post military affairs reporter Dan Lamothe posted on X that a senior Defense Department official said no “senior U.S. officials” were onboard.
NBC4 in Washington reports the water temperature is currently 35 degrees F. The report says at least four survivors were recovered and transported to hospitals.
CNN reports that three U.S. Army soldiers were onboard the helicpoter.
Update 10:08 p.m. ET: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement indicating that a PSA Airlines regional jet, “operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines,” “collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach” to Reagan Airport. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate.
Vice President JD Vance posted that he is praying for all involved in the midair collision in D.C.:
“All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update,” the Reagan Airport announced on social media Wednesday night.
Reporter Allison Papson with Fox5DC announced that that D.C. Fire and EMS confirmed that “a small aircraft is down in the Potomac River in the vicinity of Reagan National Airport.
“DC Fire and EMS confirms a small aircraft is down in the Potomac River in the vicinity of Reagan National Airport. Fireboats on scene. All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open,” announced Papson on X.
Other social media users shared video from outside the scene.
Though reports on social media were that a plane collided with a military helicopter, according to WUSA9, the exact cause of the crash remains unknown at this time.
“All flights at Reagan National have been halted as rescue crews work to find victims from the plane. At this time it is unclear what caused the plane to go down,” reported the outlet. “It is unclear how many people were onboard the plane at this time. Multiple agencies are on the ground and in the air conducting rescue efforts.”
Video of the alleged collision was shared online, though its authenticity has not yet been confirmed.
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