American Airlines flight collides with helicopter in Washington DC

Mid-Air Collision Between American Airlines Flight and Helicopter Near Washington, D.C. Under Investigation

An American Airlines flight collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., according to officials. The crash occurred around 9:00 PM local time on Wednesday, with the plane coming down into the Potomac River.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, Flight 5342, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it struck the helicopter while on its approach to Runway 33. The jet was en route from Wichita, Kansas.

Following the incident, search and rescue boats were deployed to the Potomac River, and emergency response teams from multiple agencies are currently conducting operations in the area. The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that the helicopter involved did not belong to law enforcement.