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A passenger jet and a military helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport outside Washington late on Wednesday, the US Federal Aviation Administration said.
The regional flight, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, had originated in Wichita, Kansas. The Bombardier CRJ700 and a US Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided as the jet approached the airport around 9pm.
Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department said on X that “a multi-agency search and rescue operation is under way” in the Potomac river.
American Airlines said it was “aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA . . . has been involved in an incident”, adding that it would provide information as it becomes available.
A US defence official said there was a three-person crew on board but there were no senior officials on the helicopter.
US vice-president JD Vance said “we’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best”. Pete Hegseth, the defence secretary, said the Pentagon was “actively monitoring”.
Reagan National Airport, which is located on the Virginia side of the Potomac, across from the National Mall, said all take-offs and landings had been stopped but the terminal remained open.
Bombardier referred questions about the accident to MHI RJ Aviation, which acquired the CRJ series of aircraft and supporting operations in 2020. MHI RJ could not immediately be reached for comment.
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