Many Feared Dead as Passenger Jet Collides with Army Helicopter near D.C.

Collision Occurs in Tightly Controlled Airspace

An American Airlines jet with 60 passengers and four crew members collided Wednesday with an Army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, prompting a large search-and-rescue operation in the nearby Potomac River.

Multiple Fatalities Reported

There were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter, but the precise number of victims was unclear as rescue crews hunted for survivors.

Three Soldiers Aboard Helicopter

Three soldiers were aboard the helicopter, an Army official said.

Cause of Collision Unknown

There was no immediate word on the cause of the collision, but all takeoffs and landings from the airport were halted as dive teams scoured the site and helicopters from law enforcement agencies across the region flew over the scene.

Search and Rescue Efforts Underway

Boats search the Potomac River near Arlington, Va., on Wednesday night.

(Julio Cortez / Associated Press)

Some 300 first responders were at the scene. Inflatable rescue boats were launched into the Potomac from a point along the George Washington Parkway, just north of the airport, and first responders set up light towers from the shore to illuminate the area near the collision site. At least half a dozen boats were scanning the water using searchlights.

Investigation Underway

Investigators will try to piece together the aircraft’s final moments before their collision, including contact with air traffic controllers as well as a loss of altitude by the passenger jet.

Flight Data Released

American Airlines Flight 5342 was inbound to Reagan National at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140 mph when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac, according to data from its radio transponder.

Passengers and Crew

American Airlines Flight 5342 was inbound to Reagan National at an altitude of about 400 feet and a speed of about 140 mph when it suffered a rapid loss of altitude over the Potomac, according to data from its radio transponder.

Conclusion

The collision between the passenger jet and the Army helicopter is a tragic reminder of the risks and dangers involved in air travel. The investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing, and it is unclear at this time what led to the tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those affected.

FAQs

Q: How many people were on the plane?
A: There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the American Airlines jet.

Q: How many soldiers were on the helicopter?
A: Three soldiers were on board the Army helicopter.

Q: What was the cause of the collision?
A: The cause of the collision is currently unknown and is under investigation.

Q: How many fatalities have been reported?
A: There were multiple fatalities, but the precise number of victims is unclear at this time.

Q: When did the collision occur?
A: The collision occurred on Wednesday night, around 9 p.m. EST.

Q: What is the status of the investigation?
A: The investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing and is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).