A passenger jet collided with an Army Blackhawk helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday evening, prompting a large-scale search-and-rescue operation in the Potomac River. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. EST, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The regional jet, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, was on approach to the airport when it collided with the military helicopter. There was no immediate word on casualties, but emergency responders quickly mobilized to search for survivors in the Potomac River, near the airport.
Inflatable rescue boats were deployed, and helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene to assist in the search. The airport halted all takeoffs and landings following the collision, causing significant disruptions to air traffic.
President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident, and Vice President JD Vance took to social media to urge the public to “say a prayer for everyone involved.”
In audio recordings from the air traffic control tower, a controller can be heard asking the helicopter pilot, “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?” referring to the passenger jet. Seconds later, another pilot exclaims, “Tower, did you see that?” as the collision occurred.
American Airlines issued a statement on social media, acknowledging reports that one of its flights was involved in the incident and promising to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Video footage from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center captured two sets of aircraft lights merging into a fireball, consistent with the reported collision.
The incident has drawn comparisons to the tragic Air Florida Flight 90 crash in 1982, which also occurred near Reagan National Airport and resulted in 78 fatalities. That crash was attributed to severe weather conditions, though the cause of Wednesday’s collision remains under investigation.
The FAA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and other agencies are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. Emergency personnel remain on the scene, and the airport has advised travelers to expect delays and cancellations.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.