![Image from Kennedy Center web camera](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738204717978.png)
WASHINGTON— A passenger jet went down near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night, and all takeoffs and landings have been halted, according DC Fire and Rescue. The FAA reported that American Airlines flight 5342 departed from Wichita and collided midair with a Blackhawk helicopter. There were 60 passengers on board and 4 crew members, according to a statement from the airlines.
![Search and rescue operation -Image courtesy WUSA TV](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738207413005.png)
At 8:53p.m. multiple calls were received for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River, according to a statement from DC Police. DF Fire and Rescue, the Metropolitan Police and multiple partner agencies were conducting a search and rescue operation.
Multiple helicopters, including those from the U.S. Park Police and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. military, were flying over the scene of the incident in the Potomac River. D.C. Fire and EMS said on X that fireboats were on the scene.
All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.
— Reagan Airport (@Reagan_Airport) January 30, 2025
Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with aircraft appearing to conjoin in a fireball.
Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA.
— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) January 30, 2025
I am in contact with authorities.
Please join me in praying for all involved.
I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport. I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available.
— Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) January 30, 2025
Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. A plane, traveling to the Nation's capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each…
— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) January 30, 2025
My team and I are actively monitoring updates related to the collision of the Wichita flight and a DC helicopter.
— Tracey Mann (@RepMann) January 30, 2025
Audrey and I are praying for the safety of the passengers, flight crew, and everyone involved. Please join us in praying.
The airport said emergency personnel were responding to “an aircraft incident on the airfield.” As of 9p.m. there was no word on casualties or additional details.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.