An American Airlines jet has crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport outside of Washington, DC, after colliding with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter on the night of January 29, 2025.
The airline confirmed 60 passengers and four crew members were onboard. Local media reported three soldiers were on the helicopter. Around 300 first responders are at the scene searching the river and have confirmed fatalities. All are presumed dead with 28 bodies recovered at time of reporting.
DC mayor Muriel Bowser said the rescue team were working “diligently in very dark and cold conditions” at the scene.
American Airlines flight 5342 was en route to Washington, DC from Wichita, Kansas. The American Eagle flight was operated by PSA Airlines — a wholly owned regional subsidiary of American — on a CRJ-700 aircraft.
The airline's CEO Robert Isom said he felt “deep sorrow” over the accident and was a “difficult day” for the company.
“Right now, our efforts are focussed entirely on the needs of our passengers, crewmembers, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones,” said Isom.
Isom said the company will provide further details “as soon as we can” and will be travelling to Washington DC.