On Wednesday evening, a tragic midair collision occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) involving a Bombardier CRJ700 operating under American Airlines‘ regional brand, American Eagle, the aircraft, registered as N709PS and operating as Flight 5342, collided with a U.S. military Sikorsky H-60 helicopter during a training exercise. The accident led to a catastrophic crash into the Potomac River, halting all inbound and outbound flights at the airport.
Flight 5342 and Its Final Moments
American Airlines confirmed that the aircraft was operated by PSA Airlines, a wholly-owned regional subsidiary. American Eagle flight was en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) when the collision occurred just east of the airport. FlightAware data shows the flight’s last known status before 21:00, and it was scheduled to land on Runway 33.
Flightradar24 reported that the military helicopter was not broadcasting ADS-B data, which provides air traffic controllers with crucial location and velocity information. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the helicopter involved was a Sikorsky H-60. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation, with the NTSB taking the lead.

Search and Rescue Efforts
Emergency responders, including Washington DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services, quickly deployed fire boats to the crash site. Reports indicate that the first emergency calls came in at approximately 20:53. Search and rescue teams, including the FBI and local police, joined the operation.
By 22:48, NBC 4 Washington reported that the CRJ700 had split in two and was submerged in about seven feet of water. First responders encountered significant challenges reaching the helicopter due to its unstable position in the river. Pieces of ice in the murky water further complicated rescue efforts.
American Airlines’ CEO Robert Isom released a statement late Wednesday expressing condolences and emphasizing the airline’s commitment to assisting passengers, crew members, and first responders. The airline confirmed that 64 people were on board Flight 5342, including 60 passengers and four crew members.
The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA)-CWA, which represents PSA flight attendants, also issued a statement calling the incident “tragic.” Sara Nelson, AFA’s president, urged the public to avoid speculation as authorities work to gather information.
According to a military official who spoke to NBC News, the helicopter was part of a training flight under Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, stationed at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir. The military is actively cooperating with local and federal officials in the investigation.
Passengers Included US Figure Skaters
US Figure Skating confirmed that some of its members, including athletes, coaches, and family members, were on Flight 5342. They had been returning from the National Development Camp held alongside the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. Russia’s TASS news agency also reported that two Russian figure skaters and their coaches were on board.
By early Thursday, search and rescue teams had recovered 30 bodies from the wreckage. CBS News reported that while the CRJ700 had broken into multiple pieces, the helicopter was mostly intact but inverted in the river. Divers recovered one of the aircraft’s black boxes.
Official Statements and Press Conference
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser held a press conference alongside federal and local agencies, American Airlines executives, and Reagan Airport officials. American Airlines has deployed over 100 personnel to assist victims’ families and has set up a helpline at 1-800-679-8215.
Newly appointed Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy assured the public that the FAA, the Department of Transportation, and the White House were working together to investigate the tragedy. He confirmed that the fuselage of the American Airlines plane was found in three sections and that authorities would continue to analyze the wreckage.
Jack Carter, CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), announced that Reagan National Airport would reopen for flights at 11:00 local time, with a secure perimeter maintained around the crash site.
No Survivors Expected
Authorities have stated that there are no expected survivors from American Eagle midair collision. Search and rescue efforts will continue throughout the day to locate additional victims and analyze debris for further investigation.
- Featured image by Colin Brown
Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’
You might also like:
- Why is the Landing gear important?
- What do you know about “ghost flight”?
- Japan Airlines Orders 42 Aircraft from Boeing and Airbus
- Emirates orders 15 more Airbus A350-900s
- Virgin Atlantic Fires Pilot for Unauthorized Dual Employment
Discover more from Aviation for Aviators
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a comment