The skies above Washington D.C. turned into a scene of chaos as a helicopter collided with a passenger plane near Reagan National Airport. The incident unfolded on Wednesday night, leaving many in shock. While the crash seemed catastrophic, the FBI’s Washington Field Office assured NBC News that there was no indication of terrorism. The video footage reveals the helicopter flying directly into the passenger plane, causing an explosion over the Potomac River.
The passenger plane involved was a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. With around 60 passengers and four crew members onboard, the aircraft was on its final approach from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are set to investigate the cause of this tragic event.
As rescue operations continue, the lights from the helicopter were seen moments before the collision. The Kennedy Center’s security cameras captured the explosion, providing a stark image of the crash. The FAA issued a statement confirming the midair collision between the CRJ700 and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, stressing that the NTSB would lead the investigation.
NBC News reported that there was no evidence of criminality or terrorism linked to the crash, citing a senior FBI official. This announcement came as a relief to many who feared the worst. The lack of any nefarious intent was echoed in the statement shared by NBC News on social media.
Webcam footage from the Kennedy Center caught the explosion mid-air, adding to the urgency and gravity of the situation. The video quickly circulated online, capturing the attention of people nationwide. Independent reporter Andrew Leyden was among the first to report the incident, stating, “BREAKING. Possible helicopter vs plane incident at DCA. investigating…”
Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 provided insights into the flight path of the passenger jet before the collision. The data showed that the helicopter was not broadcasting ADS-B data, making the crash even more perplexing. The CRJ700 was nearing its destination when the tragic event occurred.
Former President Donald Trump issued a statement expressing his condolences and gratitude to first responders. He said, “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders.”
Fox News highlighted that three soldiers were on board the military helicopter involved in the crash. The helicopter was identified as a UH-60 from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, located just 15 miles south of Reagan National Airport.
The Army provided further details, confirming the helicopter’s origin from Fort Belvoir. This information was shared alongside an image that added context to the unfolding events.
Mark Seagraves, a reporter for NBC Washington, gave an update on the crash scene, citing two sources. He described the location as closer to the shore of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, with the American Airlines plane “split in two and is in about 7 feet of water.” The helicopter was reported to be unstable, making rescue efforts challenging.
The crash scene was described as volatile, with the helicopter upside down and bobbing up and down in the water. Divers struggled to make an entry into the helicopter due to its instability. This detail added a layer of difficulty to the ongoing rescue mission.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the sequence of events that led to this tragedy. The FAA and NTSB are tasked with unraveling the mystery behind the collision, ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future.
Local and national authorities are working tirelessly to manage the aftermath of this disaster. The commitment of first responders and investigative teams is commendable, as they navigate the complexities of this unfortunate event.
The crash has sparked discussions about aviation safety and the protocols surrounding military and commercial aircraft operations. Such incidents, while rare, highlight the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards.
In the coming days, more information is expected to emerge, providing clarity on the factors that contributed to the collision. The aviation community and public await these revelations with bated breath, hoping for answers and solutions.
For now, the priority is the safety and recovery of any survivors, as well as the well-being of those affected by this incident. The collaborative efforts of various agencies demonstrate a unified approach to addressing this crisis.
