Plane Carrying More Than 60 Collides With Helicopter, Crashes In Washington

Tower did you see that?

DC plane crash air traffic control audio reveals moment controllers saw disaster

All runways are closed. Nobody's landing, no one moving at all,

she tells the fire command, ... adding that

I landed at DCA this evening at 8:42pm, IAH—DCA, minutes before an in-flight collision over the airport. My thoughts are with all involved and their families. Hoping first responders find survivors,

the congressman noted on Wednesday night

U.S. Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C. These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas,

U.S. Figure Skating noted

We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts,

U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement

Everybody hold your positions on the field right now,

air traffic control says

It was probably out in the middle of the river. I just saw a fireball, and then it was just gone,

an air traffic controller says

Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise,

he said in a statement

I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport."

US President Donald Trump, he stated

I'm just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak. I’m just praying to God."

A passenger's husband on the flight told WUSA

Three seconds later, and at that point it was banked all the way to the right... I could see the underside of it, it was lit up a very bright yellow, and there was a stream of sparks underneath it,

Schulman added

Initially I saw the plane and it looked fine, normal. It was right about to head over land,

he told CNN

The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing,

Trump wrote on his app Truth Social

Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening

In a post to X, Vice President JD Vance said

We are deploying every available US Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA

In a statement shared on X, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security wrote

While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities. Please join Heidi and me in praying for all involved as the search and rescue is underway.”

Senator Ted Cruz also commented

This is nothing short of a nightmare,

Senator Roger Marshall said on X (formerly Twitter), describing the tragedy that originated from his home state

Small aircraft down in Potomac River vicinity Reagan National Airport. Fireboats on scene.”

Washington D.C.’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services posted an update on X, stating

I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident, ... I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded."

he wrote on X

We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident

American Airlines said in a statement