A mid-air collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport has led to an extensive emergency operation and the temporary suspension of airport activities.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred around 9 p.m. on Wednesday. The aircraft involved were a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700, operating as an American Airlines flight, and a US Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

The passenger plane had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, while the military helicopter carried three personnel.

Emergency Response and Concerns Over Survivors

Reports from Al Jazeera described a massive response at the crash site, with emergency teams deploying boats and rescue vehicles.

“This is the primary airport serving the Washington, DC, area,” a source stated. “We believe both aircraft are in the river, which is deeply concerning. Survival time in this water is estimated to be no more than 90 minutes.”

Unconfirmed Casualties and Investigation Underway

Authorities have not yet released official information regarding casualties. However, Senator Ted Cruz confirmed fatalities without specifying numbers.

Video footage circulating on social media allegedly captures the moment of impact, followed by an explosion. Preliminary reports suggest an air traffic controller instructed the helicopter to pass behind the approaching aircraft just moments before the crash.

Government officials, including President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have been briefed on the incident. Trump stated he had been “fully briefed” on the “terrible accident”.

Airport Closure and Investigation

The FAA announced that Ronald Reagan National Airport will remain closed until at least 5 a.m. on Friday. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Department of Defense have launched an official investigation into the cause of the crash.

If confirmed, this would be the first fatal crash involving a US commercial airline since 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed in Buffalo, New York, killing 49 people.

Ronald Reagan National Airport, located just outside Washington, DC, is a critical hub for domestic air travel.