A small plane crashed into the Potomac River after colliding with a US military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday. As a result, the airport suspended all operations, halting both take-offs and landings.

Crash Details

The Washington Fire Department reported that the plane went down near the airport, landing in the Potomac River. Fireboats were immediately dispatched to the scene. According to reports, the crash occurred around 9 PM when an American Airlines flight from Wichita collided with a military helicopter while approaching the runway.

🚨⚠️🛬 Plane from Wichita, Kansas, collides with helicopter in Washington, DC. The explosion was caught on video by a webcam at the Kennedy Center. The number of people on board both aircraft remains unknown.
2. Small aircraft crashes in Potomac River in Washington D.C. - DC Fire… pic.twitter.com/eNVk6jEkbc

— Paul Ekwam Bilson (@PaulEkwam) January 30, 2025

Passengers and Crew

The American Airlines flight was carrying 60 passengers and 4 crew members. Meanwhile, the military helicopter had 3 soldiers aboard, as confirmed by a US defense official.

Government Response

In response, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump had been made aware of the situation. “I have called over to my counterparts at the White House, and I can confirm that President Trump has been made aware of this situation,” Leavitt said during an interview with Fox News. She added, “And tragically, it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet at DCA airport right here in Washington, DC. That’s all I can confirm at this point in time.”

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating the incident. In addition, American Airlines confirmed that American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA, was involved in the crash. The flight was en route from Wichita to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA).