Major Aviation Tragedy in the U.S.: Passenger Plane Crashes into Potomac River After Mid-Air Collision with Military Helicopter
Washington, D.C., January 30 (Hindustan Samachar): A catastrophic aviation accident occurred near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., as a passenger jet carrying 64 people collided mid-air with a U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter. Following the impact, the aircraft plunged into the Potomac River, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the ill-fated jet belonged to American Airlinesโ subsidiary, PSA Airlines, and was a Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet. The collision with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter led to the immediate closure of Reagan National Airport, halting all takeoffs and landings.
Timeline of the Incident
Time of the Crash: Wednesday, 9 PM (local time)
Location: Near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, over the Potomac River
Aircraft Involved:
- PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ-700 (carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members)
- Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk Military Helicopter (carrying 3 crew members)
According to USA Today, the PSA Airlines jet was en route from Wichita, Kansas, when it collided with the military aircraft mid-air.
Search & Rescue Operations Underway
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation.
Fire and rescue teams, including boats, are actively searching for survivors in the Potomac River.
District of Columbia Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department confirmed multiple agencies are involved in the rescue efforts.
The Metropolitan Police Department is also on-site at the airport, coordinating emergency response efforts.
Response from the White House & Pentagon
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Pentagon is closely monitoring developments.
Senior U.S. military officials frequently use Black Hawk helicopters for transportation in the Washington, D.C., area.
As per CNN reports, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General Secretary Edward Kelly stated that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with every effort being made to recover survivors safely.
Key Questions & Ongoing Investigation
What caused the mid-air collision?
- The FAA and NTSB are analyzing flight data, air traffic communications, and eyewitness accounts.
- It remains unclear whether the accident resulted from pilot error, mechanical failure, or miscommunication between air traffic controllers.
Were there any survivors?
- As of now, there is no official confirmation on casualties or survivors.
Will air travel be affected?
- Reagan National Airport remains closed for further assessment, impacting multiple domestic and international flights.
