Dozens of people were killed when an American Airlines regional jet with 64 people aboard collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter moments before the airplane was set to land at Washington D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, officials said. The accident is the worst air disaster in the U.S. in more than two decades.
Hundreds of first responders have switched to a recovery operation from rescue efforts, Washington D.C.’s Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said in a press conference on Thursday. Donnelly said 27 bodies have been recovered so far.
American Eagle Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jetliner, was on approach into the airport’s Runway 33 when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter at around 9 p.m. ET, the FAA said. The flight was arriving from Wichita, Kansas and was flying at an altitude of about 300 feet at the time of the collision, according to FlightRadar24.
PSA Airlines is an American Airlines subsidiary and one of its regional carriers. American Eagle is how the airline brands its regional flights.
American CEO Robert Isom said in a video message Wednesday night that he would travel to Washington D.C. along with a “go-team” from the airline.
Sixty passengers and four crew members were on board the American flight, the airline said.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft,” American said in a statement. “We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
The airline provided contact information if “you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342.”
American and Russian figure skaters were on board the flight, according to the countries’ official groups.
Reagan Washington National was closed Wednesday through at least 11 a.m. ET Thursday. The airport says its main runway is the busiest in the country.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was sworn in on Tuesday, in a press conference called the accident a “tragedy.”
Both aircraft were in the cold waters of the Potomac, and rescue workers were facing challenging conditions like high wind.
The U.S. Army confirmed that the second aircraft was an Army helicopter out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, saying in a statement: “We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.”
A U.S. military official later added the helicopter was out on a “training flight.”
“While we don’t yet know how many on board were lost, we know there are fatalities,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who heads Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which includes aviation, said on X.
The U.S. has had a long stretch without fatal commercial airline crashes. The last U.S. commercial passenger airline crash occurred in February 2009 when Continental Flight 3407 crashed into a house as it was arriving in Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 people aboard and one person on the ground.
The crash of that turboprop plane prompted federal regulations requiring more rest and training for pilots.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating Wednesday’s incident.
President Donald Trump said he was briefed on the accident Wednesday.
“Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders,” he said in a statement.
The Federal Aviation Administration does not have a permanent head. Former Administrator Mike Whitaker stepped down on Jan. 20, when Trump took office. Trump hasn’t yet named a nominee.
“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic accident at DCA tonight,” said the Air Line Pilots Association, a pilot union. “Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy and ALPA’s accident investigation team is responding to assist the National Transportation Safety Board in their investigation.”
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
