Tragic Collision Near Ronald Reagan Airport: Regional Jet and Military Helicopter Collide, Investigation Underway
A regional jet collided with a military helicopter near D.C., involving 64 on the flight, including figure skaters; rescue efforts ongoing, investigation launched.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A shocking collision between a regional jet and a military helicopter occurred Wednesday evening near Ronald Reagan National Airport, sparking rescue operations and raising serious questions about air traffic control and safety protocols.
The incident took place around 9 p.m. Eastern on a clear night, according to President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social, expressing concerns over the circumstances surrounding the crash. The president questioned why the military helicopter, which was reportedly on a collision course with the jet, did not adjust its path despite the clear weather conditions and the bright lights on the plane.
The collision involved an American Airlines flight, Flight 5342, which was a regional jet flying from Wichita, Kansas, and a U.S. Army UH-60 helicopter on a training mission out of Davison Army Airfield, located near Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The crash has resulted in a search and rescue operation near the Potomac River.
There were 64 passengers aboard the flight from Wichita, including several figure skaters returning from a U.S. Figure Skating National Development Camp, along with three military personnel on the helicopter.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed an immediate investigation was launched by the Army and Department of Defense, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy vowed full support from federal agencies including the FAA and NTSB.
Both Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran of Kansas expressed concern over the incident, calling for answers and offering prayers for the victims.
The NTSB has taken charge of the investigation into the collision, while officials have confirmed that rescue crews are still working to locate survivors and assist the families affected. The tragic event has left many questioning how such a collision could occur near a major airport, with further updates expected in the coming days.
