Plane crashes into the Potomac after colliding with helicopter
Youngkin is asking everyone to pray for the victims.
Youngkin asks everyone to pray for victims of plane and helicopter collision
A regional passenger jet and a military helicopter collided in the air near Reagan International Airport in Washington D.C. around 9 p.m. Wednesday night. Both aircraft crashed into the Potomac River.
“First responders from across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland mobilized quickly,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. “I ask everyone to pray for the passengers, crews, their families, and brave first responders.”
The Federal Aviation Administration released the following statement about the incident.
“A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.”
It has not been officially confirmed, but several reports indicate roughly 60 souls were onboard the regional passenger jet.
The Kennedy Center webcam appears to have captured the collision.
Several reports indicate that there were no senior Army leaders on the helicopter.
A large contingent of Fairfax County emergency personnel responded to the scene.
This is a developing situation.