Tragedy Over Washington: American Airlines Jet, Army Helicopter Collide Midair, Killing 18
A midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter resulted in a catastrophic crash into the Potomac River on Wednesday night, killing at least 18 people, according to CBS News.
The crash involved a PSA Airlines-operated Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter, both of which were attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when they collided around 9 p.m. local time. Emergency crews launched an extensive search operation, but no survivors have been found so far.
The American Eagle Flight 5342 had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The Black Hawk helicopter had three soldiers on board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the collision occurred as both aircraft approached Runway 33, prompting an immediate suspension of all flights at the airport.
A police official at the scene told CBS News that at least 18 bodies had been recovered from three visible debris fields in the river. Search and rescue operations continued into the night.
American Airlines acknowledged the incident in a statement, saying it was "aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington Reagan National Airport, has been involved in an incident." The airline expressed condolences to those affected and pledged full cooperation with authorities investigating the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision.
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