Reagan Airport accident:  Victims reportedly recovered as plane crashes into Potomac river after colliding with helicopter 

A Reagan Airport accident has claimed the lives of many. A mid-air crash that happened on the evening of January 29, 2025, involved an American Eagle Flight 5342 colliding with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.

The American Airlines flight which was coming from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members onboard. There were three military personnel aboard the Black Hawk helicopter. The two planes collided, and they fell into the Potomac River.

Emergency crews have already recovered at least 18 bodies from the river, and search and rescue operations are underway. It is unclear if the victims were alive or deceased. However, a social media user, citing NBC news report, alleged four "survivors" were recovered. We cannot confirm this report.

In a statement to the New York Post, American Airlines officials said:

“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft,”

As reported by CNN, the military aircraft that was a part of the Reagen Airport accident was not carrying any VIPs.

According to NBC Washington's Mark Segraves, who cited two sources, the crash site is near the shoreline of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. The American Airlines aircraft broke apart, with sections submerged in approximately seven feet of water.

The Black Hawk helicopter, meanwhile, remains overturned and unstable, shifting between being partially submerged and resurfacing. Due to its unsteady position, divers have been unable to safely enter the wreckage.

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Aftermath of the Reagan Airport accident

The Reagan Airport accident was confirmed by the official X account of Reagan National Airport. In the tweet, they said:

"Around 9 p.m. on Wednesday evening, emergency personnel at Reagan National Airport initiated their response to a crash between a passenger aircraft, identified by the FAA as American Eagle flight 5342, and a Sikorsky helicopter. "

The airport has also confirmed that all the landings and takeoffs at the Reagan Airport will remain at a halt until further notice.

"Mutual aid from neighboring agencies were called to assist, and takeoffs and landings at the airport were halted for the remainder of the evening. We will continue to post information as it becomes available."

President Donald Trump released a statement acknowledging the Reagan Airport accident, expressing condolences for the victims, and praising first responders for their swift actions. He assured the public that he was monitoring the situation closely.

In his newest statement, Donald Trump questioned the circumstances surrounding the Reagan Airport accident, emphasizing that the passenger plane was on a standard approach while the helicopter appeared to be heading directly toward it. On his Truth Social account, Trump wrote:

"It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn't the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"

Vice President JD Vance also addressed the incident on X, urging people to:

"Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening. We're monitoring the situation, but for now let's hope for the best."

American Airlines has provided a dedicated helpline for those seeking information about passengers on Flight 5342. Families in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215, while international callers can find additional contact numbers at news.aa.com.