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A passenger jet and a navy helicopter collided close to Reagan Nationwide Airport exterior Washington late on Wednesday, the US Federal Aviation Administration mentioned.
The regional flight, operated by PSA Airways for American Airways, had originated in Wichita, Kansas. The Bombardier CRJ700 and a US Military Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided because the jet approached the airport round 9pm.
American Airways, which wholly owns PSA, mentioned American Eagle flight 5342 carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew, “was concerned in an accident” at Reagan Nationwide. “Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the plane,” the airline added. “We’re in touch with authorities and aiding with emergency response efforts.”
Washington’s Metropolitan Police Division mentioned on X that “a multi-agency search and rescue operation is beneath approach” within the Potomac river as first responders looked for survivors. There was no rapid affirmation of any casualties.
Sirens blared throughout the US capital as dozens of police vehicles swarmed either side of the river close to the scene of the crash, closing off roads to visitors, whereas helicopters with searchlights circled above.
A US defence official mentioned there was a crew of three on board the helicopter however no senior personnel. The Black Hawk was on a coaching flight, in accordance with Heather Chairez, spokesperson for the Military’s Joint Job Pressure-Nationwide Capital Area.
A second defence official mentioned the standing of the helicopter crew was unknown. The Military mentioned the Black Hawk was working out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, about 20 miles from the Pentagon.
“We’re working with native officers and can present further data as soon as it turns into out there,” the Military mentioned in an announcement.
In an announcement, US President Donald Trump mentioned he had been “absolutely briefed on the horrible accident”. He later posted in regards to the crash on Reality Social, saying it may have been prevented.
“The airplane was on an ideal and routine line of strategy to the airport. The helicopter was going straight on the airplane for an prolonged time frame. It’s a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the aircraft had been blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or flip,” he requested.
“Why didn’t the management tower inform the helicopter what to do as a substitute of asking in the event that they noticed the aircraft. It is a unhealthy scenario that appears prefer it ought to have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!” Trump added.
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s lately confirmed defence secretary, wrote on X that the Military and defence division had opened an investigation into the crash.
The airport, positioned close to the Pentagon and throughout from the Nationwide Mall, mentioned all take-offs and landings had been stopped however the terminal remained open.
“I hope they discover some folks alive,” mentioned Michael Wille, 38, who had joined a crowd on Daingerfield island, simply south of Reagan airport, to catch a glimpse of the search and rescue effort. “But it surely’s been three hours now and the water could be very near freezing level.”
A spokesperson for Sikorsky, which makes the Black Hawk helicopter and is owned by defence contractor Lockheed Martin, mentioned: “We’ve supplied our help to the investigation and our buyer.”
MHI RJ Aviation, which acquired the CRJ collection of plane and supporting operations from Bombardier in 2020, didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
