A tragic midair collision near Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night resulted in the deaths of all passengers and crew aboard American Eagle Flight No. 5342 after it crashed into a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching Reagan National Airport.
Details of the Collision
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m., as the aircraft—operated by PSA Airlines—descended toward its landing. The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, earlier that evening. Both American Eagle and PSA Airlines operate under American Airlines.
The Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, involved in a training operation, was assigned to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This was confirmed by Joint Task Force-National Capital Region media chief Heather Chairez.
Eyewitness Accounts and Recovery Efforts
A livestream camera at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center captured the shocking moment of impact, showing an explosion near the Potomac River at 8:47 p.m. Eastern. During a Thursday morning press briefing, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly reported that 27 bodies had been recovered from the plane and one from the helicopter.
White House Response and Political Reactions
President Donald Trump addressed the crash during a White House briefing, confirming that there were no survivors. While expressing condolences to the victims’ families, he also used the moment to criticize the Biden administration and diversity policies, though he did not provide any evidence connecting them to the accident.
Additionally, Trump announced the appointment of Christopher Rocheleau as acting commissioner of the FAA, stating that while the investigation is ongoing, officials already have “some pretty good ideas” about the possible cause of the disaster.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities, including the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are conducting a full investigationto determine the cause of the collision. More details are expected as officials review flight data, air traffic control recordings, and eyewitness testimony.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, with many calling for a reassessment of airspace safety measures near Washington, D.C..
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