AMERICAN AIRLINES: Helicopter and Bombadier CRJ700 crash outside Ronald Reagan Airport, Washington DC. At least 18 dead
Emergency services have recovered at least 18 bodies from the Potomac River following a tragic midair crash between a passenger jet and an army helicopter near Washington DC. The accident occurred as the passenger jet was approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
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Details of the Crash
The incident involved American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The flight from Wichita, Kansas, was on its final descent into Reagan National when it collided with a Blackhawk UH-60 army helicopter. The helicopter, on a training mission, was staffed by three soldiers. The collision caused the aircraft to plunge into the Potomac River. A massive search and rescue operation is in progress.
Web cam capture of crash
Video footage from the Kennedy Centre’s observation camera (in twitter feed above) captured the moment of impact, showing two sets of lights merging into a fireball. Following the collision, Ronald Reagan National Airport halted all take-offs and landings and diverted incoming flights.
Aircraft and Rescue Efforts
The passenger jet was a twin-engined Bombardier CRJ-701 made in Canada, with a capacity for 70 passengers. The army helicopter was operating out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
The accident occurred in close proximity to significant sites, including the White House, Congress, and the Pentagon, which underscores the security implications of such incidents.
Recovery efforts continue, focusing on finding any additional victims. Investigation of the cause of the tragic collision will follow.
American Airlines is a Qantas and OneWorld partner airline
A spokesperson for Qantas has confirmed that there were no Qantas customers on the flight. The Australian Department for Foreign Affairs has yet to confirm whether there were any Australians on the flight.
Context of Recent Aviation Incidents
This tragic event follows a set of recent aviation safety incidents at Ronald Reagan National Airport.
In May 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigated a near-collision involving an American Airlines Airbus A319 and a Hawker Beechcraft Super King Air. The American Airlines aircraft had to abort its takeoff to avoid a potential collision. There were no injuries.
Authorities will investigate this incident and examine air traffic control communications, flight paths, and mechanical issues to determine the cause.
2PAXfly Takeout
This is an unexpected tragedy at one of the USA’s most monitored airports.
It is too early to speculate on the cause, but it is apparent from Air Traffic Control recordings, that the potential for a collision was noted, with a direction to avoid such an occurrence.
My thoughts go out to all the friends and families of the victims of this tragedy and to the first responders who are searching and recovering bodies.
With new and unconfirmed appointments to the heads of Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration in the USA, this is going to be a testing time for all involved
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