A tragic collision occurred late Wednesday evening between a plane en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., and a military Black Hawk helicopter. The crash, which took place just before the plane was set to land, sent both aircraft into the icy Potomac River. Authorities have not confirmed any survivors.
Hamaad Raza, who was waiting at Reagan National Airport for his wife, received a text from her saying they were “landing in 20.” Shortly after, communication stopped. The news of the crash revealed the flight was his wife’s, and he held onto hope, praying for a miracle. His wife had feared flying but had traveled for work, adding to the heartbreak of the situation.
The crash involved a Bombardier CRJ700, operated by PSA Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, carrying 64 passengers. The military helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60, had three soldiers aboard for a routine training flight. Emergency teams, facing extreme conditions, have recovered 19 bodies, with more expected as search efforts continue. Over 300 responders, including divers, are battling freezing temperatures and floating ice.
No survivors have been found among the three debris fields scattered across the Potomac. The wreckage from both the plane and helicopter remains in the river. American Airlines has confirmed the loss of Flight 5342 and is working with authorities. President Donald Trump expressed condolences, while local officials and emergency teams have praised the responders’ efforts.
This devastating event echoes the nation’s last major air disaster in 2009, leaving families and the nation in mourning. The Pentagon and other officials are closely monitoring the situation and offering assistance.