Potomac River Depth and Temperature: Key Factors in Flight 5342 Rescue Efforts Potomac River Depth and Temperature: Key Factors in Flight 5342 Rescue Efforts

American Airlines Flight 5342 collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. As rescue efforts ...
How Many Passengers On American Airlines Flight 5342 That Crashed into the Potomac River? How Many Passengers On American Airlines Flight 5342 That Crashed into the Potomac River?

The plane had four crew members and 60 passengers on board when the incident occurred. Three soldiers were on board the Black Hawk that collided ...

Authorities confirmed that at least 19 bodies had been pulled from the DC River, and dozens of rescuers and law enforcement officers were visible at the scene.So far, no survivors have been located.

A Passenger Plane Crashed into Washington's Potomac River: Many Feared Dead
Search efforts near airplane wreckage in the Potomac River

On the evening of January 29, 2025, a significant aviation accident occurred near Washington, D.C., when a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, close to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). The incident took place around 9 p.m. Eastern Time as the jet, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342, was on its final approach to Runway 33.

The aircraft had departed earlier from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 64 passengers and crew members.

Video - Moment PSA Airlines Jet Crashed With Helicoper Over DC's Potomac River:

Follow along with live updates below:

Several US, Russian Figure Skaters were on board

According to reports, figure skaters from both the U.S. and Russia were aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 on Wednesday night when it tragically crashed.

The Wichita Eagle confirmed that several coaches and parents of the skaters were also on board the flight, which departed from Wichita and was en route to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.

The skaters were members of the National Development Team and had recently competed at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which took place from January 20 to January 26 at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

Team USA pair skater Luke Wang expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

"Praying for all those on the flight from Wichita to DC. Among the passengers were skaters and coaches. Absolutely heartbreaking."

Immediate Response and Grounding of Flights

In the aftermath of the collision, all takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport were immediately suspended to facilitate emergency operations. The terminal remained open as emergency personnel from multiple agencies, including D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, D.C. Police, and federal authorities, were dispatched to the scene.

A coordinated search and rescue operation was launched in the Potomac River, with fireboats and helicopters from the U.S. Park Police and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department actively involved.

American Airlines Establishes Hotline for Families of Flight 5342 Passengers

American Airlines has set up a dedicated hotline for family members and loved ones of those aboard Flight 5342, which was involved in a mid-air collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport.

"If you believe a loved one was on board Flight 5342, please contact American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215," the airline stated.

For those calling from outside the United States, additional contact numbers can be found at news.aa.com. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.

American Airlines has assured that it will continue to provide updates on the situation as more details become available.

Casualty and Rescue Efforts

Although no official death toll has been announced, police and rescue crews have reportedly recovered several dead bodies from the river. According to NBC, four people have been pulled alive from the Potomac River, and search and rescue efforts are underway with fireboats and Maryland State Police divers on the scene.

Rescue teams are conducting extensive search operations in the Potomac River, with reports indicating that as many as 60 individuals are unaccounted for. Authorities are working diligently to assess the situation and provide assistance to any survivors.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the department is mobilizing "every available resource" from the U.S. Coast Guard to assist in search and rescue operations following the mid-air collision between a PSA Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and remain prepared to support local emergency responders,” Noem stated in a social media post. She also extended her thoughts and prayers to the victims and first responders involved in the rescue efforts.

President Trump Statements and Reactions

President Donald Trump "has been made aware of this situation and tragically it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News.

President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident and is closely monitoring the response efforts. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "There are many agencies that are working on this response right now, both federal and local law enforcement are working together on the ground, to try to save as many lives as possible.

And the President will continue to monitor this situation." She urged the public to remain calm and follow the guidance of respective authorities.

A Passenger Jet has Collided with a Black Hawk Helicopter Near Washington DC
Emergency services operate at Gravelly Point, after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a helicopter while approaching Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed in the Potomac River

Senators from Kansas, the departure state of the flight, expressed their concern on social media. Senator Jerry Moran stated, "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." Similarly, Senator Roger Marshall shared, "We are in contact with authorities working to get answers. We ask you to join us in prayer for every single passenger and their families."

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the collision. Preliminary information has been provided by the FAA, but further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses.

The focus will be on determining the cause of the mid-air collision and assessing any potential lapses in protocol or communication that may have contributed to the incident.

Eyewitness Accounts and Available Footage

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a fireball over the Potomac River at the time of the collision. Video footage from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights, consistent with aircraft, appearing to merge before a bright flash occurs, indicating the moment of impact. This footage is expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.

Aircraft Details

The Bombardier CRJ700 involved in the collision was manufactured in 2004 and can be configured to carry up to 70 passengers. PSA Airlines operates this model as part of its regional fleet for American Airlines. The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, identified as a Sikorsky H-60, is a versatile utility helicopter used for a variety of military operations.

Mid-air collisions

Mid-air collisions involving commercial aircraft and military helicopters are rare but have occurred in the past. Such incidents often lead to comprehensive reviews of aviation safety protocols and airspace management to prevent future occurrences. The findings from the investigation into this collision will likely contribute to future safety recommendations and potential changes in aviation procedures.

Public Advisory

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area surrounding the crash site to allow emergency personnel to conduct their operations without hindrance. They have also requested that individuals refrain from speculation and await official updates as the investigation unfolds. The public is encouraged to monitor official channels for the latest information and directives.

As this is a developing story, further details will be provided as they become available. The focus remains on the search and rescue efforts and the investigation into the cause of this tragic incident.

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