A regional jet operated for American Airlines collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River.
American Eagle Flight 5342, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from Wichita, Kansas, when it struck the helicopter, which had three crew members on board for a training mission.
Authorities fear all 67 individuals perished in the crash. At least 18 bodies have been recovered, and a large-scale search-and-rescue effort involving over 300 emergency responders is underway.
Video footage from the Kennedy Center shows the moment the aircraft appeared to merge into a fireball. Strong winds, icy waters, and debris have complicated recovery efforts.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the tragedy and praised first responders for their efforts. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.
Reagan Airport has suspended all flights until at least 11 a.m. Thursday. American Airlines has set up a helpline for concerned families at 800-679-8215.
The disaster is one of the deadliest U.S. air accidents in over 15 years, evoking memories of the 1982 Air Florida crash that claimed 78 lives after plunging into the same river.
