DC Plane Crash Video: Passenger Jet Collides With Military Helicopter Near Reagan Airport

A viral video shows the shocking mid-air collision between a Kansas-based passenger jet and a US Army helicopter near Washington DC’s Reagan National Airport on Wednesday. The PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 jet, carrying 60 passengers, crashed into the Potomac River after hitting the Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter during its final approach at 9 PM local time.

Webcam at the Kennedy Center caught an explosion mid-air across the Potomac. https://t.co/v75sxitpH6 pic.twitter.com/HInYdhBYs5

— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) January 30, 2025

The US Army confirmed three soldiers were aboard the helicopter, while rescue teams rushed to locate survivors. All flights at Reagan Airport were temporarily grounded post-crash. The FAA stated the jet operated as American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita.

All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA. Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.

— Reagan Airport (@Reagan_Airport) January 30, 2025

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall called the incident a “nightmare,” urging prayers for victims and families. Officials are investigating the cause of the collision.

Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare.  A plane, traveling to the Nation's capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each…

— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) January 30, 2025

Updates to follow as more details emerge.