A PSA Airlines plane functioning as American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into the Potomac River following a mid-air collision with a US Army helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Teams have recovered 18 bodies from the river, and searches continue in the freezing waters, amid challenging conditions with winds and ice inhibiting rescue efforts.
The Bombardier CRJ700 passenger aircraft, which had taken off from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members, according to American Airlines. The helicopter involved, a Sikorsky H-60 from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was identified to have three soldiers aboard and was conducting a training flight.
Eyewitness accounts describe alarming scenes just before the crash. Witness Ari Schulman reported seeing sparks trailing from the aircraft as it dramatically altered its course, seemingly in distress before the collision. Another observer, Jimmy Mazeo, noted erratic flying patterns among the planes preceding the incident.
As search and rescue efforts continue, Washington DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized the focus on recovery, while US Figure Skating investigations confirmed a number of its community members were aboard the flight, returning from a training camp.
Government officials reacted swiftly: President Donald Trump expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation. Meanwhile, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom shared condolences and sorrow for the victims of this tragic accident.
As investigations unfold, the FAA alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is working to understand the full circumstances surrounding the disaster and assess any necessary changes to airspace protocols around Ronald Reagan National Airport to prevent future tragedies.
