Passenger plane crashed during landing in US: It collided with helicopter
A search operation has begun (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
On Wednesday evening, January 29, a passenger plane crashed near Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C., after colliding mid-air with a helicopter, reports CNN.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the passenger plane that crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., collided mid-air with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching for landing.
The aircraft was operating as American Airlines flight 5342 and was a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, earlier on Wednesday. Reports vary regarding its capacity, with some sources stating it can hold up to 70 passengers, while others suggest up to 78.
The investigation is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in coordination with the FAA.
The FAA also noted that their statement is based on preliminary information and may be subject to change. Meanwhile, two US Department of Defense officials told CNN that the aircraft collided with a US Army Black Hawk (H-60) helicopter.
The D.C. police stated that they are coordinating a search and rescue operation on the Potomac River in collaboration with other agencies following reports of the passenger plane crash. According to their statement, local authorities began receiving emergency calls about the incident at 8:53 p.m. local time.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident.
"There are many agencies that are working on this response right now, both federal and local law enforcement are working together on the ground, to try to save as many lives as possible. And the President will continue to monitor this situation. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Trump administration are with all those involved," Leavitt said.
The investigation is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in collaboration with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Updated at 05:35
American Airlines confirmed that the aircraft carried 60 passengers and 4 crew members on board.
"A plane, traveling to the Nation’s capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter," the airline stated on social media.
Updated at 05:47
CNN reported that, according to a U.S. Department of Defense representative, there were three people on board the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with the passenger plane, and there were no VIPs on board. The publication also added that high-ranking military officials often use Black Hawks for movements in the Washington area.
