An American Airlines plane crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening. The crash resulted in no survivors. Rescue crews face challenging conditions, including frigid water temperatures and strong winds, as they work to recover bodies and wreckage.
An American Airlines small eagle jet, originating from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter mid-air before crashing into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport (DCA) on Wednesday evening. 7News First Alert Weather Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson provided insights into the challenges rescue crews would encounter as they ventured into the frigid waters to recover bodies and wreckage.
First responders faced extremely cold weather conditions, strong winds, and ice on the water during their initial rescue efforts. SkyTrak7 was positioned over the crash site at 4:30 am Thursday as crews diligently worked through the debris. 'At this point, we don't believe there are any survivors from this accident,' stated the D.C. fire chief. 'We have recovered 27 people from the plane, from the helicopter. The District Office of Medical Examiner has been working to reunite these bodies with their loved ones, and we will continue to work and reunite them.'The science behind these harsh conditions involves water's ability to transfer heat away from the body 25 times faster than air. On Wednesday night, the Potomac River water temperature, specifically around Hanes Point and Reagan National Airport, was 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Within less than three minutes, an unprotected human body starts to lose dexterity, experiencing slowed limb movement and potential unconsciousness within 15 to 30 minutes. Officials reported that at least 300 emergency responders from various regions, including local, multi-state, and federal agencies, joined the search and rescue mission. The American Airlines passenger jet, en route from Wichita, Kansas, carried 60 passengers and four crew members, according to federal officials. The U.S. Army confirmed that three Army personnel were aboard the military helicopter. The crash occurred just before 9 p.m. when the regional jet collided mid-air with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching the runway. D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly stated on Thursday morning that the American Airlines flight was descending in a standard flight pattern as it approached DCA. 'At 8:53 p.m., multiple calls were received for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River,' D.C. officials announced on Wednesday. 'D.C. Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, and multiple partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.' U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy reported that the plane was found upside down. Joint Task Force-National Capital Region Media Chief Heather Chairez confirmed that the 12 Aviation Battalion crew, based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was conducting a training flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash.Thursday's weather conditions mirrored Wednesday's, except for slightly calmer winds and cooler temperatures. Partly cloudy skies will assist recovery efforts, but water temperatures will remain in the lower to mid-30s. A weather system approaching Thursday night will bring widespread rain beginning around midnight. Expect scattered showers for most of Friday, with locally heavy rain possible before tapering off by 9 p.m. Friday. Rainfall amounts are anticipated to range from around 0.5 to 1 inch, with higher amounts south of Interstate 66
AIRPLANE CRASH MILITARY HELICOPTER POTOMAC RIVER WASHINGTON D.C. REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT SURVIVERS RESCUE EFFORTS WEATHER CONDITIONS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
American Airlines Plane Collides With Military Helicopter in Potomac River CrashA PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington D.C.'s Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night, causing a crash into the Potomac River. The incident resulted in a ground stop at the airport, with multiple agencies conducting a search and rescue operation. There are reports of several bodies recovered but no confirmed survivors as of midnight.
Read more »
Deadly Collision: American Airlines Plane and Helicopter Crash in Potomac RiverA tragic collision occurred between an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., resulting in multiple fatalities. The plane, carrying passengers and crew, crashed while approaching Reagan National Airport. The helicopter, carrying soldiers, was also reported to have crashed. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities believe there are no survivors. This incident has shaken the figure skating community as several members, including coaches and family members, were aboard the American Airlines flight.
Read more »
American Airlines plane crashes into Potomac River near Reagan NationalA small commercial airliner and a military helicopter collided and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport Wednesday evening, D.C. Fire and…
Read more »
American Airlines Plane and Black Hawk Helicopter Collide in Mid-Air, Crashing into Potomac RiverA horrifying accident occurred near Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport as a small American Airlines plane collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter, sending both aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River. Rescue efforts are underway, with authorities coordinating a search and rescue operation. The FAA and NTSB have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the accident.
Read more »
Mid-Air Collision Near Reagan National Airport Sends American Airlines Plane into Potomac RiverA harrowing mid-air collision involving an American Airlines passenger plane and a military helicopter resulted in the aircraft crashing into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport. The incident sparked a massive search and rescue operation, with authorities working tirelessly to locate survivors and determine the cause of the crash.
Read more »
American Airlines Plane Collides with Helicopter, Crashing into Potomac RiverA passenger plane operated by American Airlines collided with a military helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night, resulting in a crash and a massive search and rescue operation. The incident halted all air traffic at the airport and authorities have confirmed fatalities.
Read more »