Aircraft Collision at Reagan National Airport Prompts Emergency Response
An Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet collided midair at Reagan National Airport, leading to an extensive emergency response and ongoing investigation.
People reacted on social media after an aircraft reportedly crashed at Reagan Washington National Airport, prompting a massive response from local first responders.
An Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with an American Airlines jet on Wednesday evening at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport around 9 p.m. local time.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News' Sean Hannity that President Donald Trump is aware of the situation, calling it tragic.
PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, and it departed from Wichita, Kansas.
The FAA and NTSB will investigate, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia said in a statement that at 8:53 p.m., multiple calls were received for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River.
"DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department and multiple partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River," police said. "There is no confirmed information on casualties at this time."
American Airlines told Fox News Digital that they are aware of reports that American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA, has been involved in an incident without providing further details.
The DC Fire and EMS Department confirmed that fireboats were on the scene.
Footage from the scene shows numerous emergency crews responding. One video posted to social media captured what appears to be a midair explosion near the Potomac River.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelley expressed her awareness of the incident, stating, "I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport. I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available."
Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kans., confirmed in a post on social media that he had seen reports of a collision involving a D.C. helicopter and an inbound flight from Wichita.
"We are in contact with authorities working to get answers," Marshall wrote. "We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families."
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for additional information.
