Explore
Settings

Settings

×

Reading Mode

Adjust the reading mode to suit your reading needs.

Font Size

Fix the font size to suit your reading preferences

Language

Select the language of your choice. NewsX reports are available in 11 global languages.
we-woman
Advertisement · Scroll to continue
  • HOME»
  • World»
  • Reagan National Airport Plane Crash: From Mid-Air Collison To No Expected Survivors- Full Timeline Explained

Reagan National Airport Plane Crash: From Mid-Air Collison To No Expected Survivors- Full Timeline Explained

The accident involved American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport.

Reagan National Airport Plane Crash: From Mid-Air Collison To No Expected Survivors- Full Timeline Explained

Washington DC plane crash


Officials have stated that there are no expected survivors following a mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.

Advertisement · Scroll to continue

The accident involved American Eagle Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport.

Timeline of the Crash

Departure from Wichita

6:18 p.m. ET: American Eagle Flight 5342, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, takes off from Wichita, Kansas.

FAA Issues Warning

8:48 p.m. ET: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alerts authorities about a potential aircraft incident. Emergency response teams, including police, fire, and airport officials, are mobilized.

Emergency Crews Arrive at the Scene

8:58 p.m. ET: First responders reach the crash site and discover wreckage in the Potomac River. Search and rescue efforts commence immediately, according to Washington, D.C.’s fire chief, John A. Donnelly.

Confirmation of Aircraft Down

9:09 p.m. ET: D.C. emergency authorities confirm via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that a small aircraft has crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport.

Official Statements from American Airlines and FAA

10:00 p.m. ET: American Airlines confirms that Flight 5342 was involved in an accident. The FAA releases a statement revealing that the aircraft, a CRJ700 jet, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Runway 33 at Reagan Airport.

Defense Department Launches Investigation

12:06 a.m. ET (Thursday): Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces that the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army have begun investigating the crash. Initial reports indicate that three service members were aboard the Army helicopter.

Rescue Operations Face Challenges

12:53 a.m. ET: Search teams, including divers and boats, continue operations around the wreckage. Officials report that nearly 300 emergency personnel are involved, but freezing water temperatures, strong winds, and poor visibility are complicating efforts. Authorities do not confirm the number of casualties at this time.

No Survivors Expected

7:30 a.m. ET: During a press briefing at Reagan National Airport, local and federal officials announce that they do not believe anyone survived the collision. Recovery efforts are now the primary focus, with 28 bodies retrieved so far.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash while recovery teams work to retrieve remaining victims from the wreckage.

ALSO READ: Caught On Cam: Plane Crashes Into A Helicopter Mid-Air, Reagan National Airport on High Alert


Advertisement · Scroll to continue
Advertisement · Scroll to continue