American Airlines crash: The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) is currently investigating a mid-air collision involving an American Airlines passenger jet which occurred on approach to Washington, D.C. around 9.00pm local time today, Wednesday 29 January. The aircraft was arriving from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). Following the collision, the aircraft reportedly crashed into the Potomac River.
In a brief statement, the FAA have advised that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in mid-air with a US Army Sikorsky H-60 Blackhawk helicopter. The PSA aircraft, operating as flight AA5342 for American Airlines, was on approach to runway 33 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Collision on Approach to Washington DCA
04:30 UTC: Search and Rescue Currently Underway
According to CBS News, a search and rescue effort is presently underway in the area. The downed PSA Airlines flight was reported to have been carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump “has been made aware of this situation.” “Tragically it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet,” Leavitt said.
On its website, American Airlines posted an early acknowledgement. “We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.”
The airline now has a webpage open for any pertinent updates.
The FAA has grounded flights at Washington National Airport and multiple authorities are currently attending. The aircraft involved was a Bombardier CRJ700, registered N709PS. Following its collision with a helicopter around 9.00pm local time, there is no news as yet with regards to the passengers and crew of the aircraft involved.
04:55 UTC: Fatalities Reported
Reports are now coming in of fatalities following the crash of American Airlines flight AA5342 after the mid-air collision with an Army Black Hawk helicopter in Washington DC.
Local media are now reporting that authorities have pulled at least two eighteen bodies from the freezing waters of the Potomac River.
ATC reportedly directed flight AA5342 to land on runway 33. The flight crew complied with the instruction, and air traffic control cleared the aircraft to land. Prior to the collision, ATC asked the Army Black Hawk whether it had flight AA5342 in sight, and instructed it to pass behind the landing aircraft.
Video footage captured by a web camera at the Kennedy Center shows the moment that the two aircraft collided.
Update 05:35 UTC: White House Statement
As the search and rescue effort continues, the White House has issued a statement on the Washington DCA accident.
Update 06:10 UTC: Aircraft “In Two Pieces”
NBC News reports the American CRJ aircraft is under 2 meters of water in the Potomac River and has broken into two pieces. The Army Black Hawk helicopter is upside down in the water. Recovery divers are currently at the scene, searching three debris fields. Authorities have not yet reported any survivors.
American flight AA5342 was confirmed as carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members. The Army Black Hawk helicopter, which was conducting a training flight, was operating with a complement of 3 crew members.
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.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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