Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel –– American Airlines commercial jet crashes after a mid-air collision with a military helicopter Black Hawk near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night (January 29, 2025). The incidents triggering a massive rescue operation in the Potomac River where the plane and helicopter were fall after the collision.
The incident involved a U.S. Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter and a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines. The PSA aircraft, identified as Flight 5342, was operating under American Airlines and had departed from Wichita, Kansas.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, while U.S. Army official also confirmed that one of its helicopters was involved in the crash.
“The PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 jet collided with a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states, as reported by Al-Jazeera.
Search and Rescue Operation
Authorities launched a search and rescue mission in the Potomac River, which runs adjacent to the airport. Law enforcement officials confirmed that multiple agencies were involved in the rescue efforts.
Reagan National Airport temporarily suspended all takeoffs and landings to allow emergency responders to manage the situation.
Mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser said multiple fire and police agencies from across the Washington region were involved in a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties from either the jet or the helicopter at the time of the collision. While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated that it is gathering additional information about the incident.
Passenger and Crew Information
According to Al-Jazeera. American Airlines confirmed there were 60 passenger and 4 crew member on board the PSA Airlines jet when it crashed near Reagan National Airport. Meanwhile, U.S. military officials reported that three service members were aboard the Black Hawk helicopter, according to Reuters.
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American Airlines acknowledged the incident in a social media statement, saying they were “aware of reports involving American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines.” As there has been no immediate report on casualties, the airline pledged to provide further updates as they receive official information from relevant authorities.
(Raidi/Agung)
