Passenger jet and US Military helicopter collide over Washington
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A passenger jet and a army helicopter collided close to Reagan Nationwide Airport outdoors 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.
Washington’s Metropolitan Police Division mentioned on X that “a multi-agency search and rescue operation is beneath method” within the Potomac river, as first responders looked for survivors. There was no fast affirmation of any casualties.
American Airways mentioned its 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 involved with authorities and aiding with emergency response efforts.”
A US defence official mentioned there was a crew of three on board the helicopter however no senior personnel. A second official mentioned the standing of the helicopter crew was unknown. The Military mentioned that the Black Hawk was working out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
“We’re working with native officers and can present further data as soon as it turns into obtainable,” the Military mentioned in a press release.
In a press release, US President Donald Trump mentioned he had been “absolutely briefed on the horrible accident”.
The airport, situated on the Virginia aspect of the Potomac, close to the Pentagon and throughout from the Nationwide Mall, mentioned all take-offs and landings had been stopped however the terminal remained open.
A spokesperson for Sikorsky, which makes the Black Hawk helicopter and is owned by defence contractor Lockheed Martin, mentioned: “We’ve got 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.
