Reagan National Airport has shared that “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.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Fox News that a Blackhawk helicopter and a regional jet collided.
The DC Police Department (MPD) has shared that it is “responding to an apparent air crash in the Potomac River. Multiple agencies are responding. Details to come.” According to NBC4, “The airliner had about 60 people aboard. It’s not known how many were aboard the helicopter.”
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) Chief spokesperson has shared that water rescues are taking place in the area of Reagan National Airport (DCA). We will provide an update when additional confirmed information becomes available.
At 10pm, American Airlines shared the following, “We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.”
At 11:15pm, American Airlines shared the following, “Around 9 p.m. on Wednesday evening, emergency personnel at Reagan National Airport initiated their response to a crash between a passenger aircraft, identified by the FAA as American Eagle flight 5342, and a Sikorsky helicopter. Mutual aid from neighboring agencies were called to assist, and takeoffs and landings at the airport were halted for the remainder of the evening. We will continue to post information as it becomes available.”