A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched Wednesday evening after an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet collided midair near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the collision occurred around 9 p.m. local time when a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, was on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport.

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The regional jet and the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter reportedly made contact midair before impact.

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Authorities have not yet released details on potential casualties or the cause of the accident.

The Army confirmed that three soldiers were on board the helicopter at the time of the crash.

The aircraft was assigned to Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, stationed at Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir.

The Army stated it is cooperating with local authorities and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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American Airlines reported that 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the CRJ-700 jet at the time of the collision.

“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft,” American Airlines said in a statement. “We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”

President Donald Trump addressed the situation, calling it a “terrible accident” and offering prayers for those involved.

“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. 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,” Trump said in a statement.

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Vice President JD Vance urged people to remain hopeful amid the unfolding crisis.

“Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening,” Vance posted on X. “We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who had been sworn in just hours before the crash, stated he was closely monitoring the situation and had directed the FAA and the Department of Transportation to assist in the investigation.

“I have spoken with Washington D.C. Mayor Bowser, Virginia Governor Youngkin, Kansas Governor Kelly, and NTSB Chair Homendy to offer our agency’s complete assistance,” Duffy posted. “Thank you to all first responders who are on the scene and conducting the search and rescue operations.”

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The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an official investigation, with the NTSB leading the effort.

The FBI’s Washington Field Office confirmed that its National Capital Response Squad was responding to the crash to assist law enforcement and public safety teams.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that all available U.S. Coast Guard resources were being deployed to aid in the search and rescue operation.

DC Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr., stated that approximately 300 emergency responders were on-site.

Fireboats were dispatched to assist in rescue efforts near the Potomac River.

Weather conditions at the time of the crash included clear skies, 10 miles of visibility, and sustained winds from the northwest at 16 mph, with gusts reaching 26 mph.

Audio recordings from air traffic control indicate that the arriving commercial jet was cleared to land on Runway 33 after pilots confirmed they could make the approach.

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Meanwhile, a controller was heard asking the helicopter, “PAT25 do you have the CRJ in sight?” The helicopter reportedly responded, but on a different frequency.

Seconds later, another pilot was recorded saying, “Tower, did you see that?”

A webcam at the Kennedy Center captured what appeared to be a midair explosion near the Potomac River.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom released a video statement early Thursday, confirming that the airline’s emergency response team was en route to the crash site. A helpline for concerned families was also established at 1-800-679-8215.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly acknowledged the incident, stating she was in contact with authorities.

“I am aware that a plane inbound from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport,” Kelly said.

“I am actively in contact with authorities. My thoughts go out to those involved. I will share more information as it becomes available.”

Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan., also commented on the situation, offering prayers for victims and first responders.

“My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families,” Marshall wrote.

“There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. 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.”

Trump weighed in further on the crash via Truth Social, questioning how the collision was allowed to happen.

“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport,” he wrote.

“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, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn? Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane? This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”

This incident marks the first crash involving a U.S. commercial flight since 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407, traveling from Newark to Buffalo, crashed on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, killing all 45 people on board.

Authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses.

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