How Many Passengers On American Airlines Flight 5342 That Crashed into the Potomac River?
On the evening of January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was involved in a mid-air collision with a U.S. Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The incident occurred around 9 p.m. Eastern Time as the CRJ-700 regional jet was approaching Runway 33.
American Airlines Flight 5342: 60 passengers and four crew members
The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
Black Hawk Helicopter: Three Soldiers
The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision had a crew of three soldiers and was not transporting any VIPs at the time. The helicopter had departed from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, a major military installation. The Army has stated that it is fully cooperating with the NTSB and FAA during the investigation and will provide further details as they become available.
Learn more: A Passenger Plane Crashed into Washington's Potomac River After Colliding with a Military Helicopter
Search and Rescue Efforts
Search efforts near airplane wreckage in the Potomac River |
More than a dozen bodies recovered after plane, helicopter crash into Potomac River. U.S. Figure Skating issued a statement confirming that several members, including athletes, coaches, and family members, were aboard the American Airlines jet.
Emergency response teams have been actively conducting search and rescue operations in the Potomac River, where both aircraft crashed following the collision. At least four individuals have been recovered and transported to local hospitals. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate and assist any additional survivors, though the total number of missing persons remains unconfirmed.
Multiple agencies, including D.C. Fire and EMS, the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Park Police, and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, have deployed helicopters, boats, and specialized diving teams to search for survivors. Given the 42-degree Fahrenheit (5.5-degree Celsius) temperature of the Potomac River, time remains critical for those who may still be in the water.
American Airlines Flight 5342 Crashes in Potomac River |
Fatalities Confirmed
Authorities have confirmed fatalities, and as of now, no additional survivors have been rescued from the water, according to a law enforcement source. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the Washington, D.C., area following the crash.
The source stated that the aircraft has broken apart in the water, with the wreckage of the helicopter located nearby.
Law enforcement officials report that multiple bodies have been recovered from the river by police and rescue teams, though an official casualty count has not yet been released. Fireboats and Maryland State Police divers remain on-site, actively conducting search and recovery operations. Meanwhile, NBC has reported that four individuals have been rescued alive from the Potomac River.
Official Statements
American Airlines has expressed deep concern for the passengers and crew involved in the accident. The airline is in contact with authorities and is assisting with emergency response efforts. A hotline has been established for family members seeking information about their loved ones:
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Toll-Free Number: 800-679-8215
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International Inquiries: Visit news.aa.com for additional contact numbers.
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Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed the collision and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with support from the FAA and other relevant agencies. Investigators are analyzing air traffic control communications, flight data recorders, and radar tracking information to piece together the events leading up to the crash.
American Airlines flight collided midair with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter |
White House and Government Response
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the situation and is closely monitoring response efforts. She stated:
“There are many agencies working on this response right now, both federal and local law enforcement are collaborating on the ground, doing everything possible to save lives. The President will continue to monitor this situation closely.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also issued a statement, confirming that the U.S. Coast Guard has been instructed to deploy all available resources for search and rescue efforts. “We are doing everything we can to assist local responders,” she said, extending thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
Investigation and Next Steps
The NTSB has dispatched a Go-Team to the crash site, composed of aviation safety experts, air traffic control analysts, and aircraft engineers. Their primary objectives will be to:
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Recover and analyze flight data recorders (black boxes) from both aircraft.
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Interview air traffic controllers, witnesses, and surviving crew members.
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Examine the wreckage to determine structural failures or operational malfunctions.
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Investigate whether there were any communication failures between the two aircraft before impact.
The investigation is expected to take several months, with an initial report anticipated within the coming weeks.