NBC News' Tom Costello shares reports from WRC that law enforcement and emergency sources say the American Airlines regional jet broke into two pieces after colliding with an Army Black Hawk helicopter, roughly in seven feet of near-freezing water, raising concerns about survivability of those onboard.
A regional jet collided midair with a helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
Hours after the collision over the Potomac River, at least one terminal at Reagan National Airport was calm and quiet.At the baggage claim carousel, a screen with a bright red banner declared “Emergency alert” and noted that all flights were being halted. Customers were encouraged to check with their flight representatives.The plane that was coming in to land at Reagan Airport before it crashed was approaching a shorter runway than the airport’s notoriously busy main runway.
"You can always see these planes lined up to land. I always look at them when I’m driving home because it’s just a really interesting, kind of an elegant sight,” Ari Schulman told NBC Washington, adding that he was driving along the George Washington Parkway, which runs right by the airport. American Eagle Flight 5342 was approaching the Washington, D.C., area airport when it collided with a helicopter around 9 p.m., officials said.
Moore said that he is closely monitoring updates and that the"State of Maryland and local authorities are engaged in response."Tonight’s midair plane crash and search of the Potomac River comes 43 years after a different plane crashed into a bridge and plunged into the river in the winter. The NTSB found that the flight crew's failure to use engine anti-ice during ground operations was the probable cause and that the flight captain could have rejected the takeoff after having observed irregular engine instrument readings.
"My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families," Marshall added in."There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident."The helicopter involved in the crash was an Army Black Hawk, according to a defense official and an Army official.
"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," the agency said.Jay Blackman
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.
Plane Collides with Helicopter in Potomac River near Washington AirportA PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter during landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. local time, resulting in a crash into the Potomac River. Search and rescue efforts are underway with multiple agencies involved.
Read more »
Driver Plunges Car into Potomac River After Crash on Arlington Memorial BridgeA male driver sustained serious injuries after his car went over the side of the Arlington Memorial Bridge into the Potomac River during a snowstorm Thursday night. Divers rescued him and he was transported to a hospital.
Read more »
Passenger Plane Crashes into Potomac River Near Reagan National AirportA passenger aircraft collided with a helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC on Wednesday evening. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, stating that the plane, American Airlines Flight 5342, was en route from Wichita, Kansas. The White House confirmed that a military helicopter was involved. All takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport have been halted as emergency personnel respond to the scene. Search and rescue operations are underway.
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 »
Mid-Air Collision at Reagan National Airport: Jet and Helicopter Crash in Potomac RiverA PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter collided over the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in a crash. Search and rescue operations are underway, but casualty information is not yet available.
Read more »
American Airlines Flight Collides with Military Helicopter in Potomac River CrashA horrifying incident unfolded near Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport Wednesday evening as an American Airlines flight and a US Army helicopter collided mid-air, resulting in a crash into the Potomac River. The American Airlines flight, American Eagle Flight 5342, was carrying approximately 60 passengers and four crew members. Initial reports suggest that three individuals were aboard the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision. A massive search and rescue operation is underway with fireboats and emergency personnel responding to the scene. Federal agencies, including the FBI and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are investigating the cause of the crash.
Read more »