An American Airlines regional jet carrying 64 people collided mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday evening, according to federal officials, stopping flights in and out of Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport.
The helicopter was flying with a crew of three and had no senior Army officials onboard, officials said. The status of the crew could not immediately be confirmed.
“Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA,” Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas wrote on X. “I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved.”
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
Key Points
- Plane crash near Ronald Reagan airport in Washington
- Trump prays for those in Washington plane crash
- Officials weigh in on D.C. plane crash
- PHOTOS: Responders race to scene of plane crash in Washington
Flight that crashed had 64 onboard: American Airlines
04:11
,
Josh Marcus
American Airlines has shared this update on the passengers inside the Washington-bound jet that collided with a military helicopter on Wednesday evening outside of Ronald Reagan airport.
“There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft,” the airline wrote in a statement. “Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
Army helicopter wasn't carrying senior officers: military
04:09
,
Josh Marcus
The Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in this evening’s crash had a crew of three and was not carrying any senior Army officials, the military said.
Trump prays for those in Washington plane crash
04:01
Donald Trump has been briefed about Wednesday’s plane crash near Reagan airport.
“May God Bless their souls,” Trump said, according to a White House statement. “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.”
VIDEO: View of Washington's Reagan airport after aircraft incident
03:53
,
Josh Marcus
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Regional flight from Kansas involved in crash: American Airlines
03:51
A jet with American Eagle, the regional carrier for American Airlines, was one of the aircraft involved in Wednesday’s crash.
American Airlines wrote on X the crash involved American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan airport.
Officials weigh in on D.C. plane crash
03:46
,
Josh Marcus
Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 30, 2025
Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA.
— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) January 30, 2025
I am in contact with authorities.
Please join me in praying for all involved.
I am following the response to a reported aviation incident at DCA, and am in touch with airport officials as we try to learn more about what happened and why.
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) January 30, 2025
This is obviously very worrying, but I urge the community to please let first responders do their jobs and save lives.
PHOTOS: Responders race to scene of plane crash in Washington
03:44
,
Josh Marcus
Plane crash near Ronald Reagan airport in Washington
03:43
,
Josh Marcus
A passenger plane and a military helicopter collided mid-air on Wednesday evening near Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C.
We’ll be following all the latest news from the rescue effort live.
