Quick Facts

An American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter on Wednesday night, crashing into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport:

• The airliner was carrying 64 people. The helicopter carried three people onboard.

• Two sources confirmed that more than a dozen bodies had been recovered. A frantic search for crash victims in the river is ongoing.

• There is a massive emergency response underway, with fireboats on the water and the Metropolitan Police Department and fire departments from throughout the area responding.

• According to an FAA statement, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local [Eastern] time. PSA operated Flight 5342 as American Airlines. "It left from Wichita, Kansas."

Rescued, and Fatalities Confirmed

At least four individuals have been rescued alive, authorities confirmed. However, multiple fatalities have also been reported, though an official casualty count has yet to be released. Search and recovery teams continue their operations in the Potomac River, as many passengers and crew members remain unaccounted for.

Potomac River in Washington DC
Potomac River in Washington DC

Depth of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.

The Potomac River varies in depth depending on the location. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the river has an average depth of 24 feet, though it can be much shallower or deeper in different areas:

  • Washington, D.C. vicinity: The depth ranges between 10 to 20 feet, with some areas near the shore being even shallower.

  • Deepest point: Located near Morgantown, Maryland, the river reaches a maximum depth of 107 feet.

  • Navigable channel: A depth of 24 feet is maintained for 108 miles in the tidal portion downstream from Washington, D.C., to allow for maritime traffic.

These depth variations impact how quickly debris sinks and how accessible wreckage is for divers and rescue teams. The specific location of the crash in the Potomac River influences the effectiveness of search and recovery operations.

Current Water Temperature of the Potomac River

The water temperature of the Potomac River is an essential factor affecting survival in an accident. As of January 29, 2025, at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, the air temperature in Washington, D.C., was recorded at 45°F.

However, the water temperature of the Potomac River was significantly lower, ranging between 33°F and 36°F.

Survivability in Cold Water

Exposure to water temperatures between 32°F and 40°F can be extremely dangerous. According to medical experts:

  • Survival time in water between 32°F and 40°F: 30 to 90 minutes before hypothermia sets in.

  • Cold shock response: Initial immersion can cause gasp reflex and hyperventilation, making it difficult for individuals to stay afloat.

  • Loss of motor function: Within 10 to 15 minutes, a person’s ability to move and stay above water significantly decreases.

Given these conditions, the chances of survival decrease rapidly without immediate rescue or protective gear such as life jackets or dry suits.

Impact on Search and Rescue Operations

The extreme cold of the Potomac River presents significant challenges for rescue divers and emergency personnel:

  • Diving limitations: Cold temperatures reduce dive times due to risks of hypothermia and restricted mobility.

  • Wreckage recovery: Lower visibility and freezing conditions make it difficult to locate and retrieve debris from the riverbed.

  • Survivor extraction: Quick response times are critical as survival chances drop significantly after prolonged exposure to cold water.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Potomac River Depth and Temperature: Key Factors in Flight 5342 Rescue Efforts
American Airlines flight collided midair with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter

Search and rescue teams, including D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Maryland State Police divers, have been actively working in the Potomac River since the crash. Fireboats and helicopters are assisting in locating survivors and recovering wreckage.

As of the latest reports:

  • At least four survivors have been pulled from the water and transported to hospitals.

  • Multiple fatalities have been confirmed, though an official count has not yet been released.

  • Divers continue to search for missing individuals.

Conclusion

The depth and temperature of the Potomac River play a crucial role in determining the success of rescue and recovery operations following the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 5342. The river’s cold temperatures pose severe risks to anyone submerged, while its varying depths create challenges for divers and emergency teams.

Authorities urge the public to rely on official updates as search efforts continue. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the incident, and further information will be released as it becomes available.