American Airlines Flight 5342 Midair Crash: Latest Updates

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 60-passenger American Airlines jet collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night over the Potomac River, prompting an extensive rescue operation.

Rescue Efforts Underway

🔹 18 bodies have been recovered from the river so far, according to CBS News.
🔹 Rescue teams, including 300 crew members, are actively searching for survivors.
🔹 State officials from nearby jurisdictions have been called in to assist.
🔹 Harsh weather conditions and the river’s 42-degree temperature are making rescue efforts difficult.

🚨 If you believe your loved one was on flight AA 5342 from Wichita, KS, contact American Airlines at 1-800-679-8215.

Crash Details

📍 Time of crash: Around 9 p.m. EST
📍 Location: Near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
📍 Aircraft involved:

• American Airlines Flight 5342 (60 passengers, 4 crew members)
• U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter (3 soldiers onboard)
  📍 Cause of crash: Under investigation. The helicopter was reportedly on a training flight and was not broadcasting ADS-B data before the collision.

Impact on Air Travel

✈️ Reagan National Airport (DCA) closed until 11 a.m. Thursday
✈️ All flights diverted to Dulles International Airport
✈️ Takeoffs and landings halted at DCA as emergency personnel respond

U.S. Figure Skating Community Affected

U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that several athletes, coaches, and family members were onboard, returning home from the National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas.

Reactions & Political Context

• U.S. Army confirms the helicopter was from Fort Belvoir.
• Senator Jerry Moran (Kansas), Chairman of the Aviation Safety Subcommittee, acknowledged the tragedy, stating:”I know that flight. I’ve flown it many times myself. I lobbied for this direct route from Wichita.”
• DCA had two near misses in 2024, raising concerns about increasing air traffic despite local leaders arguing against it.

Ongoing Investigation

🕵️ Key details under review:

• Last communication from the helicopter was at 8:48 p.m. EST.
• Flight Radar confirms the helicopter was not transmitting ADS-B data, which tracks location and altitude.

Authorities continue to search for survivors and determine what led to this tragic midair collision.