What We Know So Far About the Washington DC Plane Crash
A deadly collision between a passenger plane and a US Army helicopter has left several dead and others missing, with authorities continuing search efforts in freezing conditions.
A tragic crash occurred in Washington DC when a passenger jet collided mid-air with a US Army helicopter, sending the plane into the Potomac River. As of now, 18 bodies have been recovered from the river, with search and rescue teams working tirelessly despite the challenging weather, including icy waters, according to officials.
The crash has prompted investigations, and nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has grounded all flights in the wake of the disaster.
What Happened?
Around 9:00 PM local time (2:00 AM GMT) on Wednesday, a PSA Airlines flight, operating as American Airlines 5342, collided with a US Army Sikorsky H-60 helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the passenger plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, was traveling from Wichita, Kansas, and had 60 passengers and four crew members on board.
The helicopter, which had taken off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia, was carrying three US soldiers. The Pentagon confirmed that the helicopter was on a training mission and belonged to the B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Fort Belvoir.
A recording of the air traffic control conversation, purportedly captured in the moments before the crash, surfaced online. In the clip, a controller is heard warning the helicopter about the approaching plane but receiving no reply. However, the authenticity of the audio has not been confirmed.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the crash.
Casualties and Response
While Washington DC officials have refrained from confirming the exact number of casualties during public briefings, a police official told CBS News that 18 bodies have been recovered from the water. Additionally, US Figure Skating confirmed that several of their members, including athletes, coaches, and family members, were aboard the flight.
Reports indicate that the plane was split in half upon landing in the Potomac River, and the helicopter was found upside down in the water. Over 300 emergency responders have been deployed to assist in the search efforts, which have been complicated by ice and hazardous conditions in the water.
Washington DC Fire and Emergency Services Chief John Donnelly emphasized the difficulty of the rescue mission, citing access challenges, high winds, and ice-laden waters.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane in distress before the crash. Ari Schulman, who was driving on the George Washington Parkway, described seeing the aircraft make a sharp right turn with sparks trailing from beneath the plane. Schulman said the sparks resembled a "giant roman candle" and appeared to stretch from the plane's nose to its tail.
Another witness, Jimmy Mazeo, recalled seeing what he described as a "white flare" in the sky while dining at a nearby park. He observed that planes flying into Ronald Reagan Airport appeared to be flying in irregular patterns before the crash occurred.
Official Statements
US officials, including President Donald Trump, have expressed their condolences following the incident. Trump said he had been fully briefed on the crash and praised the efforts of first responders. In a statement, he said, "May God bless their souls," and thanked those involved in the rescue efforts. Trump also raised concerns about the incident on social media, calling it "a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented."
Vice-President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also offered their thoughts and prayers for those involved. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that a review of the event would take place and that appropriate actions would be considered to ensure flight safety in the future.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom shared his deep sorrow over the collision, which was echoed by US Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas, where the plane originated. Marshall described the tragedy as "a heartbreak beyond measure."
As search efforts continue, authorities are working to understand the cause of this devastating crash, while loved ones await news of survivors.