Mid-Air Tragedy: Passenger Plane and Black Hawk Helicopter Collide Over Potomac
A devastating plane crash occurred along the potomac, just outside Washington, D.C., late Wednesday evening when an American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air over the Potomac River.
Rescue teams are still searching for survivors, but multiple fatalities have been confirmed.
What We Know So Far
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the collision happened around 8:50 PM ET near Reagan National Airport. The plane, identified as American Airlines Flight 5342, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The Black Hawk helicopter was on a routine training mission with three soldiers on board.
Moments after the collision, both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River. Authorities say the passenger plane broke into multiple pieces upon impact, while the Black Hawk remains partially submerged. Dive teams and helicopters are currently combing the area for survivors.
Fatalities Confirmed, But Search Continues
Law enforcement sources have confirmed that there are fatalities, but the exact number has not been released. Rescue teams are racing against time, with the US Coast Guard, FBI, and local emergency responders conducting search operations throughout the night.
Emergency services have described the scene as chaotic, with wreckage and fuel spread across the river. Witnesses in the area reported a massive fireball in the sky followed by a loud explosion before the aircraft went down.
Heartbreaking Stories from Families
Hamaad Raza, whose wife was on Flight 5342, said he received a text message from her just before landing. “She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes,” Raza told reporters. His messages back never went through.
“I’m just praying someone is pulling her out of the river right now,” he said tearfully.
What Could Have Caused the Crash?
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are currently trying to determine how the plane crash happened in such a heavily monitored airspace. Early speculation suggests a miscommunication between air traffic control and the military aircraft may have contributed to the accident.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has dispatched a team to assist with the investigation, while the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is monitoring the situation closely.
Reagan National Airport Closed Indefinitely
All takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport have been suspended until further notice, causing major travel disruptions. Passengers with flights scheduled for today have been advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Government and Military Response
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident and released a statement: May God bless their souls. We are closely monitoring the situation, and I extend my gratitude to the first responders on the scene.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin have pledged full support to rescue efforts. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has ordered a review of military flight protocols in civilian airspaces.
What’s Next?
Authorities will continue search and recovery operations for the Potomac plane crash throughout the morning. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days, shedding light on what led to this horrific plane crash.
For now, families of those on board have been directed to contact American Airlines’ emergency hotline at 800-679-8215 for more information.
Sources:
- CNN
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- American Airlines Newsroom
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