America witnessed its first major commercial air crash in 16 years after Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed near Buffalo, New York, leading to the death of 50 people in 2009. The American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed a late-night crash on Wednesday (US local time) between an American Airlines and an army-operated helicopter, which caused to halt all the landings and takeoffs from the airport around Washington.
The airline confirmed the incident by stating, “We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA), has been involved in an incident.”
This midair collision occurred in Washington's Potomac River when an American Airlines flight was landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. According to a report, the flight carried 60 passengers and 4 crew members, while the military helicopter aboard carried 3 US Army officials.
The US President, Donald Trump, has issued a statement regarding the late-night crash of a regional jet and military helicopter, “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May god bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work our first responders are doing. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise".
Though there is no confirmation of survivors as well as casualties, however, 19 bodies have been found so far, as per the law enforcement source. The rescue operation is still ongoing, and around 300 first responders are searching the aircraft crash site in the freezing temperature of the river.
DC’s Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly Sr. said, “The challenges are access. The water that we’re operating in is about 8 feet deep, there is wind, there is pieces of ice out there, so it’s just dangerous and hard to work in." He added, " The water is dark, it is murky, and that is a very tough condition for them to dive in.”
The extent of the incident can be felt as the source said that American Airlines Flight 5342 was submerged 5-6 feet deep in pieces of water, and the helicopter was in the water nearby.
Just 30 seconds before the escapade, an air traffic controller asked the helicopter, "PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?” The controller again connected to PAT 25 just a few moments later and marked, “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ.” And then, the two aircraft collided the other second.
Donald Trump expressed his sorrows and noted that the incident could have been prevented by making another statement posted on Truth Social, “It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”.
There are multiple agencies that are conducting search and rescue operations throughout the Potomac River, according to the Washington, DC police.