American Airlines regional jet carrying 64 collides midair with military helicopter near D.C. airport
An American Airlines regional jet with 64 people aboard collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter moments before the airplane was set to land at Washington D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The accident appeared to be the worst air disaster in the U.S. in more than 15 years.
American Eagle Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jetliner, was on approach into the airport's Runway 33 when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter at around 9 p.m. ET, the FAA said. The flight was arriving from Wichita, Kansas and was flying at an altitude of about 300 feet at the time of the collision, according to FlightRadar24.
PSA Airlines is an American Airlines subsidiary and one of its regional carriers. American Eagle is how the airline brands its regional flights.
American CEO Robert Isom said in a video message Wednesday night that he would travel to Washington D.C. along with a "go-team" from the airline.
Sixty passengers and four crew members were on board the American flight, the airline said.
"Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft," American said in a statement. "We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts."
The airline provided contact information if "you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342."
Reagan Washington National was closed Wednesday through at least 11 a.m. ET Thursday. The airport says its main runway is the busiest in the country.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was sworn in on Tuesday, in a press conference called the accident a "tragedy."
Both aircraft were in the cold waters of the Potomac, and rescue workers were facing challenging