A plane en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington, D.C., collided mid-air with a military Black Hawk helicopter late Wednesday evening. Authorities have yet to confirm any survivors.
Hamaad Raza was waiting at Reagan Washington National Airport, exchanging texts with his wife as she neared home. Suddenly, his messages stopped delivering. At first, he thought it was a network issue, but as minutes passed, unease crept in. Then, the devastating news broke—a flight from Wichita had collided mid-air with a helicopter just before landing, sending both aircraft crashing into the icy waters of the Potomac River. It was his wife’s flight.
The last message she sent him read, “We’re landing in 20.” He texted back, but his messages never went through. A sinking feeling set in. Now, he holds on to hope, praying for the rescue teams to find her alive.
“I’m just praying that somebody’s pulling her out of the river right now as we speak. That’s all I can pray for. I’m just praying to God,” Raza told reporters, his voice trembling. His wife had traveled to Wichita for work, despite her deep fear of flying, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking.
Raza, a senior associate at EY-Parthenon, had been married to his wife for just over two years. As he waits for updates, more families are arriving at Reagan National Airport, desperate for answers about their loved ones.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Bombardier CRJ700, operated by PSA Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, was carrying 64 people when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The helicopter, a Sikorsky H-60, had three soldiers onboard for a routine training flight.
Emergency teams have been working tirelessly at the crash site, battling harsh conditions. As of now, at least 19 bodies have been recovered, with more expected as the search continues. Over 300 first responders, divers, and police boats are navigating the freezing river, facing extreme winds and floating ice that are making the operation even more treacherous.
John Donnelly, Chief of D.C. Fire and Emergency Services, described the rescue efforts as one of the most complex operations his team has faced. “It’s cold. There’s ice. The conditions are extremely rough for our responders,” he said.
No survivors have been found so far among the three separate debris fields that stretch across the Potomac. The military helicopter is reportedly submerged nearby.
Images from the crash site show the haunting aftermath. Wreckage from the plane and helicopter floats in the river, emergency crews scanning the area for any sign of life.
In a statement, American Airlines confirmed the loss of Flight 5342. “Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.” Family members seeking information have been urged to call 800-679-8215 or visit news.aa.com for updates.
As the nation reels from the disaster, President Donald Trump released a statement, calling the crash “a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented.” He thanked first responders for their tireless efforts and offered prayers for the victims. “May God bless their souls,” he said. “I am monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates.”
Newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist in any way necessary. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall called the tragedy “nothing short of a nightmare” and offered his condolences to the victims’ families.
Across social media, leaders and officials are expressing their sorrow. Alexandria, Virginia, Mayor Alyia Gaskins praised emergency teams assisting in the regional response and extended prayers to the affected families.
The last major U.S. commercial air disaster occurred in February 2009, when a Continental Airlines Bombardier Q400 crashed near Buffalo, New York, killing 49 people. Now, history repeats itself in an even more shocking tragedy, leaving families devastated and the nation in mourning.
With rescue teams still searching the frigid waters, loved ones cling to hope, waiting for the call that could change everything.
