Reagan National Airport crash: Military Black Hawk helicopter collides midair with American Airlines jet

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Plane crash at Reagan Washington National Airport prompts major response

People react on social media after an aircraft reportedly crashed at Reagan Washington National Airport, prompting a massive response from local first responders. (Credit: @sarahgabf via X, @cerabrainassasin via X)

An Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with an American Airlines jet on Wednesday evening at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. 

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News’ Sean Hannity that President Donald Trump is aware of the situation, calling the situation tragic.

PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, and it departed from Wichita, Kansas. 

A small aircraft is down in the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport, DC Fire was confirmed on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. (FOX 5 DC)

The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.

The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia said in a statement that at 8:53 p.m., multiple calls were received for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River.

“DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department and multiple partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River,” police said. “There is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.”

American Airlines told Fox News Digital that they are aware of reports that American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichitaw, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. No further information was available from the airline.

The DC Fire and EMS Department confirmed that fireboats were on the scene.

Video of the scene shows numerous emergency crews responding.

One video posted to X and captured from the Webcam at the Kennedy Center caught what appears to be a midair explosion near the Potomac River.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelley also said she was aware of the incident.

“I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport,” she said. “I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available.”

Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kans., said in a post on X that he had seen reports of a collision with a D.C. helicopter and an inbound flight from Wichita, Kansas.

“We are in contact with authorities working to get answers,” Marshall wrote. “We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for more information.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.