At least 19 bodies have been recovered after an American Airlines regional jet carrying 64 people collided mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday evening, according to reports.
All 67 people on board both aircraft that crashed down into the Potomac River are feared dead, Kansas Senator Roger Marshall said. None of the helicopter’s three crew were senior Army officials, authorities said.
All flights in and out of Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport have been paused until at least 11 a.m. Thursday. Video footage from the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with separate aircraft appearing to conjoin in a fireball.
"I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport,” President Donald Trump said. “May God Bless their souls.”
American Airlines said in a statement: “If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”
Key Points
- 19 bodies recovered by search and rescue crews, reports say
- Young figure skaters feared dead in the crash
- American Airlines jet crashes into Black Hawk helicopter on approach to DC airport
- Kansas senator says ‘we probably lost 60 Kansans tonight’
- Reagan National Airport to be closed until 11am on Thursday
In pictures: Search and rescue personnel work round the clock in hunt for victims
11:00
,
James Liddell
Analysis: Is flying getting more dangerous?
10:48
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James Liddell
With three fatal events involving passenger jets in five weeks, it is understandable that some people will conclude that risks are increasing, writes The Independent’s travel correspondent, Simon Calder.
In fact, this decade is so far much safer than any previous spell. The three crashes have had entirely different causes, all of which are extremely rare: Azerbaijan Airlines, shot down by Russian anti-aircraft fire over Grozny on Christmas Day.
It was the first flight tragedy involving a passenger jet in 2024
Jeju Air, four days later, crashed in circumstances that have yet to be fully explained but which appear to have involved a bird strike. American Airlines, a mid-air collision in busy airspace.
Lessons will be learned from all of these tragedies and will contribute to future air safety.
The UK and Ireland have the best air-safety records in the world.
The last fatal accident involving a British passenger jet was in the 1980s – the Kegworth disaster.
The safest airline worldwide by pa
Mapped: American Airlines plane collides with army helicopter near DC airport
10:16
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James Liddell
An American Airlines 5342 operating as a PSA Airlines jet collided with a US Army Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopter as both flew close to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington DC at around 9 p.m. local time Wednesday.
All 67 people on board both aircraft are feared dead, Kansas Senator Roger Marshall said Wednesday night.
None of the helicopter’s three crew were senior Army officials, authorities said.
Close to 20 bodies have been recovered from the water, according to multiple networks.
All flights in and out of Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport have been grounded until at least 11 a.m. Thursday.
Madeline Sherratt has the details.
Watch: Witness says plane resembled 'Roman candle'
10:13
,
James Liddell
Analysis: What will investigators be examining?
09:55
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Simon Calder
National Transportation Safety Board investigators will be studying in immense detail the sequence of events that led up to the tragedy.
In many accidents, a sequence of unlikely and unexpected events combine to cause a crash.
There has been much speculation, including from President Trump, about the possible causes. Much of this is unhelpful and distressing.
An American helicopter instructor and former CRJ pilot, Philip Greenspun, has posted some thoughts about what might have gone wrong.
He writes: “A review of the ATC [air-traffic control] recording shows that there was plenty of room for human error.”
Dr Greenspun speculated that the Black Hawk pilots may have said that they could see the approaching aircraft while actually looking at a different plane.
“The most plausible explanation is that the Black Hawk crew and DCA Tower were talking about two different airliners (ie, talking past each other),” he writes.
He later added: “There were some excellent humans with excellent training in the airliner, in the Tower, and in the Black Hawk. Everyone was operating in the most restrictive low-altitude airspace (Class B) that we have in the US and under time-tested rules that have ensured safety despite congestion.
“At the same time, however, we have the limitations of a natural language (English) and the human brain, which may latch onto and commit to the first plausible airliner that it sees.”
The Independent’s veteran travel correspondent Simon Calder will continue to provide an analysis of the incident throughout the morning.
World leaders react
09:43
,
James Liddell
Shocking reports from Washington, D.C., as an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter collided in midair.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 30, 2025
Our condolences to the victims' families and loved ones. We can see how the first responders show exceptional dedication during the search-and-rescue operation.…
Australians are thinking of all those affected by the terrible air crash at Reagan Airport in Washington and the tragic loss of life. Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 30, 2025
As first responders work at the scene, we encourage any Australians in need of assistance to…
My deepest condolences on the loss of so many lives in the Washington plane crash. Today we are all with the American people in this tragic moment.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) January 30, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with the American people following the horrific crash between a plane and military helicopter in Washington DC.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 30, 2025
Deepest condolences to all those who lost loved ones in the crash. Also thinking of the first responders working at the scene.
Listen: Harrowing moment air traffic control see American Airlines jet collide with army helicopter
09:32
,
James Liddell
Analysis: How common are mid-air collisions?
09:23
,
James Liddell
Thankfully, they are extremely rare, says The Independent’s travel correspondent, Simon Calder.
On average there has been one per year so far this century, most of them involving small private aircraft and – or – helicopters.
All pilots and air-traffic controllers are focused on avoiding other “traffic” in the skies. All large passenger aircraft are equipped with a traffic collision avoidance system, known as TCAS.
If a potential threat is identified, the system will issue a “resolution advisory”. Typically one aircraft will be instructed to climb and the other told to descend. Pilots are required to perform the maneuver specified by the resolution advisory even if it conflicts with instructions from air-traffic controllers.
The Washington tragedy involved a military helicopter, which has very different operational characteristics from a fixed-wing aircraft. It is not known if it was fitted with TCAS, but in any case, the system is inhibited when aircraft are very close to the ground.
Watch: How the mid-air collision unfolded
09:12
,
James Liddell
Search and rescue crews 'recover 19 bodies'
09:04
,
James Liddell
At least 19 bodies have been recovered from the site of the plane crash, according to the BBC.
Citing two sources close to the search and rescue effort, NBC Washington reports that crews have “recovered the bodies of people who died in the crash”.
Washington, DC mayor sends 'love and prayers' to victims' loved ones
09:01
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James Liddell
Tonight, as our first responders continue their efforts, we are sending our love and prayers to the families, loved ones, and communities who are experiencing loss during this terrible tragedy.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 30, 2025
We will provide our next briefing at 7:30AM at DCA. It will be live on this account.
Analysis: What do we know about the aircraft involved?
08:53
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Simon Calder
The plane was a CRJ-701ER commuter jet operated by PSA Airlines. According to the Aviation Safety Network, the type has not been involved in any previous fatal accidents.
PSA is a subsidiary of American Airlines which operates smaller aircraft on regional flights – a standard arrangement among big US carriers.
The aircraft was 20 years old and fitted with 65 seats. It normally carries two pilots and two cabin crew, which was the case with flight AA5342.
The Independent’s veteran travel correspondent Simon Calder will continue to provide an analysis of the incident throughout the morning.
Trump reflects on 'terrible night' after Washington, DC crash
08:44
,
James Liddell
At least 18 bodies recovered: report
08:34
,
James Liddell
A police official at the scene in Washington, DC told CBS News that at least 18 bodies had been recovered by 11:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday evening. Per the officer, there were no survivors among those found.
The Independent cannot verify whether there were any survivors among the victims. Officials are yet to officially confirm the number of casualties.
Analysis: What do we know about Ronald Reagan National Airport?
08:26
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Simon Calder
Most international flights to the U.S. capital arrive at Dulles Airport, 20 miles west of the city centre. Other flights from abroad touch down at Baltimore Washington, 30 miles northeast.
Ronald Reagan National Airport is most unusual. It opened in 1941 very close to the centre of Washington – the northern perimeter is just three miles south of the White House.
Being so close, the airport is popular with many travellers, and management says: “Our Runway 01/19 is the busiest in the country.”
In normal operations, the airport handles up to 60 flights per hour. The stipulation is that “mainline” airlines have a maximum of 37 flights; commuter jets, 11; private aircraft 12.
The airport says: “All aircraft movements are solely controlled through the FAA National Airspace System, including the design and implementation of flight procedures and corridors.”
As a result of the proximity to the heart of the government, air traffic control is taken extremely seriously. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 – which included a plane being flown into the Pentagon – the airport was closed for 23 days.
The Independent’s veteran travel correspondent Simon Calder will continue to provide an analysis of the incident throughout the morning.
Floating ice, chilly waters and darkness: Challenges of the rescue operation
08:15
,
James Liddell
As a fleet of divers comb the Potomac River in search of survivors, Washington Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly revealed the challenges that they face.
“The challenges are access. The water that we’re operating in is about 8 feet deep,” Washington Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said. “There is wind, there is pieces of ice out there. So it’s just dangerous and hard to work in.”
He continued: “And because there’s not a lot of lights, you’re out there searching every square inch of space to see if you can find anybody.
“Divers are doing the same thing in the water. The water is dark, it is murky, and that is a very tough condition for them to dive in.”
Zelenskyy 'shocked' after learning of collision
08:04
,
James Liddell
Shocking reports from Washington, D.C., as an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter collided in midair.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 30, 2025
Our condolences to the victims' families and loved ones. We can see how the first responders show exceptional dedication during the search-and-rescue operation.…
Russian figure skaters feared dead in the crash - report
07:52
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Russian figure skaters and coaches Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were on the American Airlines plane that crashed near Reagan Washington National Airport, according to a report from Russia’s state-run TASS news agency on Thursday, citing a source.
Several coaches and youth skaters from the US figure skating team were also reportedly on the same flight from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, DC.
CCTV appears to show American Airlines and helicopter crash in Washington DC
07:50
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Everything we know about the fiery mid-air crash at Washington DC’s Reagan airport
07:44
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Law enforcement officials scrambled Wednesday night after a jet with 64 civilians collided with an Army helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington D.C.
A massive search-and-rescue operation for survivors, involving multiple agencies, was launched in the nearby Potomac River, where the temperature was 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
President Donald Trump said he had been “fully briefed on this terrible accident" and, referring to the passengers, added: “May God Bless their souls.”
While questions remain, including how the horrific incident could have occurred in the heavily monitored air space so close to the Pentagon, here’s what we know so far:
Read the full story here:
Young figure skaters feared dead in the crash
07:35
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Several coaches and youth skaters from the US figure skating team were reportedly on the American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, DC, that crashed Wednesday night after a midair collision with an army helicopter.
The skaters were part of the National Development Team and some had stayed in Wichita after the US Figure Skating Championships for advanced training, McClatchy News reported.
Team USA pair skater Luke Wang and ice dancer Ethan Peal expressed their shock and offered prayers for the families of those involved in the crash.“Praying for all those on the flight from wichita to dc,” Wang wrote on X on Wednesday night, adding that “among the passengers were skaters and coaches. absolutely heartbreaking.”
Another skater, Team USA ice dancer Ethan Peal, tweeted: “I am in shock. Praying for families and my skating community,” in response to the news.
American Airlines crash witness says plane resembled 'Roman candle'
07:25
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
At least 19 aircraft diverted to nearest Dulles International Airport following crash
07:18
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Around 19 planes were diverted to Dulles International Airport following the crash near Reagan National Airport, about 20 miles west.
According to flight aviation analytics firm Cirium, there were 858 flights scheduled at Reagan National airport on Wednesday and 869 on Thursday.
The airport will remain closed until at least 11am ET on Thursday, authorities said.
DC fire chief says rescue operation could last several days
07:08
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Washington DC fire chief John A Donnelly, Sr said that the rescue operation at the site of the crash could last for days.
During a press briefing, he said that around 300 responders from the DC region were working at the crash site and that the rescue operation would take “many hours” and could last for days.
He said the Potomac River was cold and dark and the conditions were windy.
Meanwhile, an NBC-affiliate reported that more than a dozen bodies have been recovered after the midair collision between an American Airlines plane and an army helicopter into the Potomac River.
More than a dozen bodies recovered - report
06:49
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
More than a dozen bodies have been recovered after the midair collision between an American Airlines plane and an army helicopter into the Potomac River, according to an NBC affiliate that cited two sources.
Authorities continue to search the area as the investigation into the collision continues.
‘We don’t know' if there are survivors, Washington fire chief says
06:43
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Officials refused to answer questions relating to the fate of those on board the two aircraft at a briefing just now, saying it was too soon to comment on the rescue mission and that updates would be provided in the morning.
Asked if he had any sense of whether there are survivors, Washington DC fire chief John A Donnelly said: "We don't know yet, but we are working on it."
He described the challenges faced by rescuers in searching the cold, dark river, and confirmed the search effort was entirely focused on the water.
Reagon Washington National Airport to be closed until 11am on Thursday
06:33
The Reagon Washington National airport will be closed until 11am on Thursday, authorities said.
"The airport will provide additional information in the morning," officials said during a press briefing.
Kansas senator says ‘we probably lost 60 Kansans tonight’
06:16
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Kansas senator Roger Marshall told a briefing that it appeared unlikely there would be any survivors from the midair crash.
He told reporters on Wednesday night that “we probably lost 60 Kansans tonight”.
The American Airlines flight was carrying 64 people and was en route from Wichita, Kansas to Washington DC when it crashed, officials confirmed.
They said there were three people on board the military helicopter that also came down in the crash.
Authorities said rescue efforts are ongoing at the site of the crash and they could not provide further details until the morning.
Donald Trump suggests midair crash could have been prevented
05:53
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Maroosha Muzaffar
In a post on social media, Donald Trump questioned why the Black Hawk helicopter didn’t take evasive action and why the control tower didn’t intervene sooner.
In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump suggested that the situation should have been prevented.
He wrote: “The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”
American Airlines CEO headed to Washington DC following midair crash
05:45
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom is heading to Washington, DC following the crash between a passenger plane and a Black Hawk helicopter.
“Members of our Go Team will be on their way to Washington DC and I’ll be heading there shortly as well,” Isom said in a video message.
“This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines,” he said.
The airline said in a statement: “If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”
'The helicopter and the plane crashed in the river': Audio from air traffic control describes disaster over Potomac
05:42
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Air traffic control watched in horror on Wednesday night as a passenger jet and a U.S. military helicopter collided near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington and plunged into the nearby Potomac River.
"The accident happened in the river," a dispatcher said in audio obtained by CBS News. "Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river."
Eyewitnesses described the crash creating an explosion visible in the night sky.
“It looked to me like a giant Roman candle, sparks shooting from the head of the plane down to the tail. I saw that for about two seconds,” bystander Ari Schulman told NBC Washington.
Video from a camera at the nearby Kennedy Center appeared to show the aircraft colliding and creating a fireball.
Read the full report here:
American Airlines CEO briefs after plane carrying 60 crashes into army helicopter
05:36
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
'I am praying someone is pulling her out of the river'
05:29
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
A distressed man waiting for his wife, who was travelling on the American Airlines plane, at the Reagan Washington National Airport told CBS News that he was praying that his wife was safe after the crash.
Hamaad Raza’s wife was onboard the American Airlines flight when he learned of the crash.
He told the outlet: “She texted me that she was landing in 20 minutes. I am just praying someone is pulling her out of the river right now.”
Black Hawk helicopter had a crew of three on board
05:20
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
According to a US defence official, the US Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision with the American Airlines aircraft had a crew of three and was not carrying any VIPs.
The helicopter had taken off from Fort Belvoir, an Army post in Virginia.
A US Army official told CNN: “We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.”
In pictures: Hunt for survivors in Potomac River
05:15
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
FBI helping with the investigation
05:10
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the FBI said that the agency is responding to the midair collision between an American Airlines plane and a Black Hawk helicopter.
“The FBI Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad is responding to an aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in support of our law enforcement and public safety partners. Please direct questions regarding this incident to the National Transportation Safety Board,” it said in the statement.
Crashed plane split in half in Potomac River
05:01
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
The American Airlines plane involved in the crash is split in half in the Potomac River, BBC News reported, with boats and divers actively searching for survivors.
The Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision is reportedly upside down in the water, located near the plane. This is making rescue efforts difficult.
Sources have confirmed casualties in the midair collision between the American Airlines plane and the Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night.
The helicopter was on routine training flight at the time of the incident.
There were 64 people on board the American Airlines plane en route from Wichita, Kansas to Washington, DC.
Casualties confirmed in the midair crash
04:47
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
A law enforcement source has confirmed fatalities in the midair collision between a plane and a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, DC, according to CNN.
Rescuers have not yet found any survivors, but search efforts are ongoing.
Black Hawk helicopter was engaged in routine training flight at the time of crash
04:46
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
The Black Hawk helicopter involved in the crash with an American Airlines plane on Wednesday night was conducting a routine training flight at the time of the incident, according to Heather Chairez, media chief for the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.
In a statement to CNN, Chairez confirmed that the military aircraft was engaged in standard operational exercises when it collided with the passenger jet near Ronald Reagan National Airport.
President Trump briefed about 'terrible accident'
04:33
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Donald Trump said he has been briefed about the “terrible accident” involving an American Airlines regional jet from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and a military Blackhawk helicopter.
In a statement on Wednesday night, Mr Trump thanked first responders for their “incredible work” and said that he was “monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise”.
“May God Bless their souls,” he added.
There has been no word on the number of casualties so far.
American Airlines confirms plane was en route from Wichita to DC
04:32
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
The American Airlines plane involved in the crash on Wednesday evening was en route from Wichita, Kansas to Washington, DC, the airline confirmed in a statement.
It also confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were onboard the flight.
“American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700,” the spokesperson said.
“There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
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.”
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.
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.