A routine landing turned into a nightmare Wednesday night as a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet—operating as American Airlines Flight 5342—collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport. Moments later, both aircraft crashed into the frigid waters of the Potomac.
60 souls were aboard the jet. The Army Black Hawk’s crew count remains unclear.
Fireballs, debris, and chaos followed. Video footage captured the shocking moment—a streak of sparks, a violent bank, then an explosion. Emergency teams swarmed the scene, diving into the river’s 37-degree waters in a desperate rescue operation. So far, four survivors have been pulled out and rushed to hospitals, but many remain unaccounted for.
Authorities have locked down Reagan National, ordering a full ground stop.
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have issued statements, offering prayers, but for those trapped in the wreckage, prayers won’t be enough.
