WASHINGTON: A regional American Airlines jetcollided with an Army Black Hawk helicopternear Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday evening, USofficials confirmed to ABC News.
The aircraft went down in the Potomac River near the airport around 9pmlocal time. A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway, according to DCpolice.
There were 60 passengers and four crew aboard the jet and three Army soldiers aboard the Black Hawk helicopter at the time of the crash.
Fireboats were on the scene of the rescue operation, authorities said.
American Airlines Flight 5342 was involved in the collision, the airline said. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines.
"Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft," the airline said. "We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts."
The Federal Aviation Administration said preliminary information indicates a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to the airport.
The aircraft departed from Wichita, Kansas, according to the FAA.
The Black Hawk helicopter involved in the crash was based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, according to an Army official. "We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available," the official said.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation.
The water temperature in the Potomac River is approximately 36 degrees and the air temperature at the time of the crash was 50 degrees with winds gusting 25 to 30 mph.
This is the first major commercial airplane crash in the United States sincethe Colgan Air crashnear Buffalo, New York, in 2009.
President Donald Trump released a statement following the crash Wednesday night.
"I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise." he said.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said "extensive resources are fully supporting the search and rescue efforts" following the crash.
"First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly," he said on X. "I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders.
The FBI Washington Field Office said in a statement that it's sending its National Capital Response Squad "in support of our law enforcement and public safety partners."
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will be closed until at least Friday at 5am, per the FAA.
