Washington, DC – Reagan National Airport remains closed this morning after a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter sent both aircraft into the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland. The airport is expected to remain shut down until at least 11 a.m. ET as emergency crews focus on search and recovery efforts.
The crash, which occurred Wednesday, involved American Airlines Flight 5342, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and a military Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers on board. Officials have confirmed fatalities, but no survivors have been recovered.
With Reagan National out of operation, Washington’s normally busy airspace is unusually quiet. Flights have been rerouted to Dulles International Airport, but the closure has caused widespread disruption for travelers.
More than 300 first responders, including FBI dive teams, are working in the icy Potomac River under hazardous conditions. The search is expected to continue for several days as authorities attempt to recover victims and key flight data recorders.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the cause of the crash, with officials emphasizing that the airspace shutdown is necessary to ensure a thorough response.
Travelers are urged to check with airlines for flight updates as the situation develops.
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