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American Airlines Plane and Helicopter Collide Midair, Crash into Potomac River Near Reagan National Airport

 Washington, D.C. – A tragic midair collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and a Black Hawk helicopter resulted in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday.

Rescue teams have recovered 19 bodies from the river as efforts continue to locate possible survivors, according to media reports. The American Airlines flight was carrying 64 people, including passengers and crew members, while the helicopter had three individuals on board at the time of the incident.

Collision and Aftermath

According to Fox News, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with the helicopter while approaching Reagan National Airport for landing. Moments after the crash, multiple fireboats and emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene to assist in rescue operations, the Washington Fire Department confirmed.

Video footage circulating on social media captured the moment of impact, showing the plane making its final approach before colliding with the helicopter midair. In response, all takeoffs and landings at the airport were immediately halted as emergency personnel worked to contain the situation.

Moments Before Impact

According to the Associated Press, American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet manufactured in 2004, was inbound to Reagan National at an altitude of approximately 400 feet and traveling at 140 miles per hour when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac River.

Air traffic control records indicate that just minutes before landing, controllers asked the pilots if they could land on Runway 33, a shorter runway at Reagan National. The pilots confirmed their ability to do so and adjusted their approach accordingly.

Less than 30 seconds before impact, an air traffic controller radioed the helicopter to confirm whether it had the approaching commercial jet in sight. A final communication instructed the helicopter to pass behind the jet, but moments later, the two aircraft collided. The plane’s radio transponder ceased transmission approximately 2,400 feet short of the runway, directly over the river.

Reagan Airport Suspends Flight Operations

Following the crash, Reagan National Airport confirmed in a statement:

"All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Further updates to follow."

Emergency response teams were seen mobilizing near the crash site, while officials worked to assess the situation.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz addressed the incident on social media, stating, “I am closely monitoring the situation at DCA and will receive a briefing from the FAA tomorrow. While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities.”

Additionally, Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department confirmed its involvement, posting, “MPD is responding to an apparent air crash in the Potomac River. Multiple agencies are responding.”

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have launched a full investigation into the cause of the collision. Details regarding potential survivors and further casualties are expected as rescue operations continue.

This tragic accident has prompted renewed scrutiny over air traffic control procedures and aviation safety near the busy Reagan National Airport.

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