Exclusive Video of the American Airlines Crash in Washington

American Airlines Collides with Army Chopper

On Wednesday night, an American Airlines regional jet struck a military Black Hawk helicopter in midair near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, just outside Washington, DC. All 67 people on the two planes are believed to have perished in the crash, making it the deadliest aviation accident in the US since 2001.

The Bombardier regional jet, designated as American Airlines Flight 5342 and operated by PSA Airlines, was nearing the airport after taking off from Wichita, Kansas, when it struck a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. This aircraft, capable of carrying up to 65 passengers, encountered the incident over the Potomac River adjacent to the airport.

In a social media statement, American Airlines confirmed reports that American Eagle Flight 5342, serviced by PSA, was involved in an incident while en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA).  

"American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington, DC (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700. There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft," BBC quoted an American Airline statement.

"Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts," it added.