Latest: Regional Jet Down in Potomac River

An American Eagle CRJ-700 collided with a helicopter, according to the FAA.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Photo: Shutterstock | TJ Brown)

[ News ]January 30, 2025 5:25 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

Two aircraft have reportedly collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. One of the aircraft was an American Eagle CRJ-700 operated by PSA Airlines, while the other was a Black Hawk helicopter, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Local officials now believe there are no survivors on the jet or helicopter.

The agency confirmed the incident in a statement: “A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas.”

American Airlines also confirmed a PSA Airlines CRJ-700 (N709PS) was involved. PSA is a wholly-owned regional subsidiary of the American Airlines Group.

The airline’s CEO, Robert Isom, says he is headed to D.C. shortly. American’s CARE Team has also been activated.

An American Eagle CRJ-700 (Photo: AirlineGeeks)

Flight 5342 was operating from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., with 64 passengers and crew members onboard, the carrier said.

Multiple agencies are conducting search and rescue operations. Over 300 responders are working in near-freezing conditions with murky river water, officials said. No rescue operations are taking place on land.

Air traffic control recordings can be found below:

Audio between PAT25 and DCA tower asking if they have the CRJ in sight. Affirms and requests visual separation. pic.twitter.com/6VAxx9zmv5

— NOVA Scanner Updates (@NOVAScanner) January 30, 2025

The airport said it is closed until at least 11 a.m. Thursday. President Trump has also been briefed.

“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,” the President said in a statement.

This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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