Fatal Midair Collision Near Reagan Airport Kills 18
Washington’s airspace tragedy: A PSA Airlines jet and an Army helicopter collide, killing 18. Investigation and recovery efforts are ongoing.
Collision Leads to Airport Shutdown
A midair collision between an American Airlines-affiliated regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter resulted in 18 deaths, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The incident prompted Reagan Washington National Airport to suspend operations temporarily.
Aircraft and Crew Details
The passenger aircraft, identified as Flight 5342 operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, took off from Wichita, Kansas, earlier that evening. FAA sources confirm the aircraft’s seating capacity is 65 passengers.
A total of 64 passengers and four crew members were on board. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army reported that three soldiers were aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter involved in the crash.
Rescue and Investigation Efforts
Emergency response teams, including police and medical personnel, were deployed to the Potomac River to recover survivors and victims. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an inquiry into the crash.
