This Is Topeka | January 30, 2025 | Updated: 6:30 AM CT
WICHITA, Kan. – American Airlines has confirmed that American Eagle Flight 5342, en route from Wichita to Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport (DCA), was involved in a midair collision before crashing into the Potomac River. The flight, operated by PSA Airlines using a Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jet, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport around 9 p.m. EST on Wednesday.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the regional jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the helicopter had three people onboard. A person familiar with the incident confirmed that there are multiple fatalities, though the exact number remains unclear. NBC News reports that emergency responders are pulling bodies from the river.
Victims Include U.S. Figure Skating Members
A spokesperson for U.S. Figure Skating confirmed early Thursday that several members of the skating community were on the flight, returning home from the National Development Camp in Wichita, which was held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Among the passengers were Russian figure skaters Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, along with other Russian nationals, as confirmed by the Kremlin.
Collision Details and Ongoing Investigation
Flight data indicates that American Eagle Flight 5342 was at 400 feet altitude and traveling at approximately 140 mph when it suffered a rapid descent over the Potomac River. Air traffic controllers had cleared the plane to land on Runway 33 shortly before the collision. Less than 30 seconds before impact, a controller instructed the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, which was conducting a training mission out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to pass behind the jet. Seconds later, the aircraft collided, leading to an immediate loss of transponder signal about 2,400 feet short of the runway.
Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response
Video footage from the Kennedy Center observation cameras captured a fireball as the two aircraft made contact. D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly Sr. confirmed that an alert was issued at 8:48 p.m., prompting a 300-person emergency response team to begin rescue operations in dark and freezing conditions.
The FAA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and U.S. Army have launched a joint investigation. The Pentagon confirmed that the Army helicopter was on a routine flight, and new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that a full review of military training operations in restricted airspace will be conducted.
Airport and Travel Impact
All takeoffs and landings at Reagan National Airport (DCA) were immediately suspended. The airport announced it will remain closed until at least 5 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, with flight operations not expected to resume before 11 a.m. EST.
Kansas Officials Respond
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall addressed the tragedy, stating: “This is an unbearable sorrow for the people of Kansas, especially for those who have loved ones aboard. We will push for immediate answers.”
Governor Laura Kelly urged Kansans to “pray for those affected”, and Wichita Mayor Lily Wu posted on Facebook that she has been in direct contact with American Airlines and the FAA for updates.
Resources for Families
For those concerned about loved ones on Flight 5342, American Airlines has established a toll-free hotline at 800-679-8215. The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) has also activated a Family Incident Support Team to assist affected families in person at the terminal’s media room.
A vigil will be held today at noon at the Wichita City Council Chambers, hosted by the Kansas Aviation Museum.
Developing Story – Check Back for Updates
This is a developing story. Stay with This Is Topeka for continuous updates as more information becomes available. Refresh this page for the latest details.
