A regional jet went down in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after colliding with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, Wednesday night, prompting a multi-agency search-and-rescue operation, according to officials.
The Federal Aviation Administration said preliminary information indicates a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with the helicopter while on approach to the airport around 9 p.m. local time. The plane departed from Wichita, Kansas.
Wichita Airport activates support team
The Wichita National Airport has activated an incident and support team to help within the terminal to provide families with information, according to Jesse Romo, Wichita’s director of airports.
Romo called the crash “devastating” during a press briefing tonight and said he believes there are family members of those aboard the American Airlines flight already at the airport seeking any updates.
Direct flights from Wichita National Airport to DCA launched a year ago, Romo said.
FBI sending response team to crash
The FBI Washington Field Office said in a statement that it’s sending its National Capital Response Squad “in support of our law enforcement and public safety partners.”
‘Extensive resources’ involved in search and rescue: Gov. Youngkin
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said “extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts” following the crash.
“First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly,” he said on X. “I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders.
DCA airport closed until Friday morning
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will be closed until at least Friday at 5 a.m., per the FAA.
American Airlines Flight 5342 involved in crash
American Airlines Flight 5342 was involved in the collision, the airline said. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines.
The airline confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were on board.
Trump releases statement on crash
President Donald Trump released a statement about the crash.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident 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. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.” he said.
Multiple sources have confirmed to ABC News that 60 passengers and four crew were aboard the jet.
-ABC News’ Katherine Faulders and Aaron Katersky
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1st major commercial crash in US since 2009
This marks the first major commercial crash in the United States since the Colgan Air crash in Buffalo, New York, in 2009, when dozens of people were killed.
The last fatality on a plane was when a woman was partially sucked out of a window during a Southwest flight in 2018.
-ABC News’ Sam Sweeney
Frigid conditions in Potomac
The water temperature in the Potomac River is approximately 36 degrees amid the search and rescue effort.
The air temperature at the time of the crash was 50 degrees with winds gusting 25 to 30 mph.
3 soldiers aboard the helicopter: Defense official
There were three Army soldiers aboard the Black Hawk helicopter, according to a defense official.
That would be the standard size of the crew for a helicopter of this type.
-ABC News’ Luis Martinez
No senior Army leaders aboard the Black Hawk: Officials
No senior Army leaders aboard the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with the regional aircraft, a defense official with knowledge of the investigation told ABC News.
-ABC News’ Luis Martinez
Transportation secretary monitoring the incident from FAA HQ
Sean Duffy, who was confirmed as the secretary for the Department of Transportation on Tuesday, added a post acknowledging the crash on X.
In the post, he noted that he was posting from the headquarters for the Federal Aviation Authority in Washington, D.C.
Kansas governor addresses collision
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said she is “actively” in contact with authorities regarding the crash.
“My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available,” she said on X.
Plane carrying roughly 60 passengers: Senator
The Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet was carrying roughly 60 passengers, according to Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall, who called the collision “devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare.”
The plane is capable of carrying up to 70 passengers.
JD Vance releases statement
Vice President JD Vance released a statement on X saying that he is monitoring the situation.
“Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening,” he said.
Unspecified number of fatalities in collision
Sen. Ted Cruz, the chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said there are fatalities in the collision.
“While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities,” Cruz said on X. “Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway.”
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