(DEVELOPING) On Wednesday evening, an American Airlines regional passenger jet collided with a military helicopter while attempting to land at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

The incident occurred shortly before 9:00 PM, prompting emergency services to initiate a search in the Potomac River near the airport.

According to reports from NBC Washington, approximately 60 individuals were on board Flight 5342, which was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., at the time of the collision. The American Airlines aircraft is designed to accommodate up to 65 passengers. Emergency crews have successfully rescued four individuals from the scene.


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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicated that the aircraft, a Bombardier regional jet, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter as it was approaching Runway 33.

The D.C. Police Department stated, “At 8:53 PM, multiple calls were received regarding an aircraft accident above the Potomac River.”

It was noted that the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, along with the Metropolitan Police Department and various partner agencies, are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the river. There is no confirmed information regarding casualties at this time.

The airport issued a communication via X, stating, “All takeoffs and landings have been suspended at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield.

The terminal remains open. Further updates will be provided.”

Images from the scene depict numerous emergency service personnel along the riverside. Additionally, video footage has surfaced online showing helicopters with searchlights surveying the Potomac River.

Observational camera footage from the nearby Kennedy Center captured two sets of lights, indicative of aircraft, merging into a fireball. Flightradar tracking data illustrates the final approach of the flight as it crossed over the Potomac River, prior to cutting out.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for additional information regarding the incident.

The FAA released a statement confirming that a PSA Airlines Bombardier regional jet, in operation as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9:00 PM local time.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct an investigation, with the NTSB taking the lead.

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall communicated via X, stating, “I have seen reports of a collision involving a D.C. helicopter and an inbound flight from Wichita, Kansas.

We are in contact with authorities to obtain further information. We request that you join us in offering prayers for every passenger and their families.”

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  • End Time Headlines

    End Time Headlines is a Ministry that provides News and Headlines from a "Prophetic Perspective" as well as weekly podcasts to inform and equip believers of the Signs and Seasons that we are living in today.

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