A regional jet operated by American Airlines was involved in a midair collision late Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to a statement from the FAA to Flying Frugal, the regional jet, coming from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter while preparing for landing at DCA. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ700, is operated by PSA Airlines, a regional affiliate of American Airlines.
The incident occurred at 8:45 p.m. EST, as confirmed by D.C. Fire and EMS.
Onboard the American Eagle flight were 60 passengers and four crew members, the airline reported to Flying Frugal.
Following the incident, the FAA suspended all takeoffs and landings pending a thorough investigation, as well as a search for survivors in the nearby Potomac River.
“Rescue teams are working diligently under challenging conditions in the dark and cold waters,” said Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser during a news conference early Thursday morning.
The military helicopter involved was conducting a training flight at the time, according to statements from the U.S. Army.
Emergency responders from local and regional agencies are at the scene, with the U.S. Coast Guard joining the search efforts, as confirmed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The helicopter had three individuals on board, Bowser stated.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a video message expressing condolences and announced plans to travel to D.C.
“We feel deep sorrow over these events. It is a challenging day for everyone at American Airlines, and our focus is on supporting our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, and their families,” Isom said.
The airline advised anyone who may have relatives on board to contact American Airlines at (800) 679-8215.
As of 1 a.m. EST on Thursday, the number of casualties had not been confirmed. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation, with NTSB investigators already on-site.
In his video, Isom mentioned that the airline had dispatched a “go team” to Washington.
“We are actively collaborating with local, state, and federal authorities on emergency response,” Isom stated.
American Airlines is also setting up a communications center at the DCA Admirals Club, as confirmed by officials.
Newly-appointed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited FAA headquarters late Wednesday and instructed the agency to provide full support to the NTSB and related agencies during the investigation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by tonight’s events and their families, as we acknowledge the difficulty of this time,” Duffy said at a Thursday news conference.
The Air Line Pilots Association, the largest pilots union in the U.S., expressed its shock and sadness in a statement and offered support to those impacted by the incident, stating that their investigation team is collaborating with the NTSB.
Reagan National Airport, located in one of the busiest controlled airspaces in the U.S., quickly diverted 19 aircraft to nearby Dulles International Airport (IAD) after the crash, according to Jack Potter, CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
DCA is expected to remain closed until at least 11 a.m. EST on Thursday, although this timeline may change as the investigation continues.
In light of the airport closure, several major U.S. airlines are offering travel waivers for passengers scheduled to fly to or from DCA in the next couple of days, allowing for itinerary adjustments without charge.
Further travel advisories are listed below:
Prior to this accident, it had been nearly 16 years since the last major crash involving a commercial aircraft in the U.S.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
