A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River following a midair aircraft collision
An American Airlines regional jet, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, has collided midair with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three military personnel over the Potomac River in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around 9 pm local time as American Eagle Flight 5342 was on its final approach to Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The US Army’s Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter had a crew of three and was not carrying any VIPs, according to US defense officials. The exact number of casualties remains unclear as emergency personnel from multiple agencies continue the search for possible survivors.
The FAA announced that Reagan Washington National Airport was temporarily shut down following the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.