WASHINGTON, D.C. – A PSA Airlines passenger plane, a regional carrier under American Airlines, collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River at approximately 9:00 PM on Wednesday, January 29, (local time) while attempting to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C.
According to CBS News, citing U.S. law enforcement officials, by 11:30 PM Wednesday, rescue teams had recovered 18 bodies from the crash site with no survivors found. As of the latest update, an additional body was retrieved, bringing the confirmed death toll to 19.
Flight Details and Military Involvement
The PSA Airlines Flight 5342 carried 60 passengers and 5 crew members and was en route from Wichita, Kansas, before crashing during its approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter had three military personnel on board and was conducting a training flight from Fort Belvoir Air Force Base, Virginia, when the collision occurred.
Following the tragic incident, the community in Wichita, Kansas, will hold a prayer vigil today (Jan 30, local time) to mourn the victims and offer support to their families.
Airport Disruptions & Emergency Response
Jack Potter, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, announced that Ronald Reagan National Airport temporarily suspended operations until 9:00 AM Thursday (local time), causing approximately 19 flights to be rerouted to nearby airports.
John Donnelly, Chief of the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, stated early Thursday that multiple local and regional agencies are assisting in the search and recovery mission. However, strong currents, freezing temperatures, and high winds are making rescue operations extremely difficult.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem posted on social media that the U.S. Coast Guard had deployed divers and rescue teams to assist in the search and recovery efforts. She emphasized that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and remain committed to supporting local responders.
Additionally, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin have deployed state police dive teams to assist with the recovery operations in the Potomac River.
Airline Support for Families
American Airlines has set up a toll-free hotline (800-679-8215) for families of passengers to receive updates on the incident.
Rescue and investigation efforts are ongoing. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the mid-air collision.
