Passenger Jet Collides With Army Helicopter Near Reagan Airport: A Tragic Incident

On January 29, 2025, a midair collision occurred between a PSA Airlines regional passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington Airport in Washington, D.C. The jet, operating as American Eagle flight 5342, was traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The Black Hawk helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60 model, had three soldiers on board at the time of the collision.

The crash happened around 8:53 pm local time, with the passenger jet plummeting into the Potomac River, which borders the airport. Authorities, including DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Metropolitan Police Department, and various agencies, launched a search and rescue operation to locate survivors. As of now, the exact number of injuries or fatalities is unclear, but authorities fear significant casualties. US Senator Ted Cruz has confirmed that there are fatalities but did not provide further details.

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) grounded all flights at Reagan airport, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began an investigation into the cause of the crash. President Donald Trump was briefed on the incident and expressed his concern, stating that he would provide further information as it becomes available.

In the meantime, American Airlines has set up a helpline for families of those on board flight 5342 to inquire about their loved ones. The incident has shocked the nation, with ongoing efforts to determine the full extent of the tragedy.