LIVE: DC plane crash near Reagan National Airport

A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River after a small American Airlines aircraft collided with an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport, authorities confirmed.

LATEST: LIVE DC plane crash updates

Plane crash near DCA

What we know:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the midair collision occurred around 9 p.m. ET when American Airlines flight 5342, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, struck the military Black Hawk helicopter while approaching the airport runway. 

The jet, a Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine aircraft, was at an altitude of approximately 400 feet and traveling at about 140 miles per hour when it suddenly lost altitude over the Potomac River. American Airlines confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were on the aircraft, while three soldiers are believed to have been on the helicopter – which was on a training mission. 

Onlookers watch as emergency crews respond to the crash site near the Potomac River after a passenger jet collided with a helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. A PSA

Emergency responders, including DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, and multiple federal agencies, are coordinating recovery efforts in the river.

During an early morning press conference, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr. said that 300 first responders are helping at the rescue site, and that they are dealing with windy, choppy conditions, and cold water. 

FOX 5 meteorologist Mike Thomas reported that water temperatures in the Potomac River near the crash site were approximately 35.4 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of the incident. According to the National Weather Service, individuals exposed to such temperatures could lose consciousness within 10 to 15 minutes.

President Trump responds

What they're saying:

President Trump gave remarks Thursday morning and provided updates on the plane crash.

"As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly," Trump said at a press briefing Thursday. "Sadly, there are no survivors" of the crash, he added.

Trump said the U.S. miliary and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. What led to the crash is still unclear, he said.

"We'll find out how this disaster occurred and will ensure that nothing like this ever happens again," he said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed earlier that President Trump has been briefed on the crash and that officials will continue to provide updates as the search-and-rescue operation unfolds.

"I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls," Trump said in a statement. "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."

The president also took to Truth Social to speculate on the cause of the crash: "The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT. The lights on the plane were blazing. Why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn? Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane? This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"

Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas called the incident "nothing short of a nightmare." In a statement, he urged the public to pray for those affected.

"There are no words that can make telling this story any easier," Marshall said. "I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident."

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran shared an update via X, stating: "Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved."

Image 1 of 7
â–¼

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 30: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains graphic content) Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also addressed the tragedy, saying her prayers "are with everyone involved."

The Blackhawk helicopter involved in the crash was reportedly based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, according to a defense official speaking on condition of anonymity.

The collision happened in some of the most tightly controlled airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and U.S. Capitol. 

FAA officials noted that air traffic controllers had asked flight 5342’s pilots if they could land on the shorter Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, and the crew confirmed they could. Tracking data showed the jet adjusting its approach before impact.

Following the crash, the FAA extended the closure of Washington Reagan National Airport until 11 a.m. Thursday.  

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was sworn in just days ago, stated that the Department of Defense is "actively monitoring" the situation, while newly appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he is "closely monitoring the situation" from FAA headquarters.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it received multiple calls reporting the crash around 8:53 p.m.

MPD’s helicopter was not involved in the crash but is assisting in coordinating the response. 

Are there any victims? 

What we don't know:

So far, authorities believe at least 67 people were involved in Wednesday's crash. The exact cause of the crash is also being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. 

Fireboats are on scene, and further updates will follow as authorities continue to work on the recovery operation. It's unclear, at the moment, how long it will take crews to go through the wreckage and retrieve all the people aboard the plane and the military helicopter.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 

The Source: The information in this story comes from Reagan National Airport, the FAA, DC Fire and EMS, DC Police, the Associated Press and FOX 5 DC reporting. 

News