An American Airlines regional jet was involved in a midair collision late Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed.
In a statement to TPG, the FAA said a regional jet inbound from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter while on approach at DCA.
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ700, was operated by PSA Airlines, a regional subsidiary of American.
There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board, the carrier told TPG.
The incident took place around 9:00 p.m. EST, the FAA said.
Just before 9:15 p.m. EST Wednesday, DCA’s official social media accounts indicated that all takeoffs and landings had been halted at the airport amid a large-scale investigation at the airport, which sits just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C.
In a statement to TPG late Wednesday, American Airlines said: “Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
The airline urged those who believe they may have loved ones on board the flight to call American Airlines toll-free number at (800) 679-8215.
In a social media post, Sen. Jerry Moran, of Kansas, wrote: “Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved.”
As of 10:40 p.m. EST Wednesday, the number of casualties remained unclear. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate, the FAA said.
DC Fire and EMS were on scene conducting a search for survivors in the Potomac River.
The closest airport to Washington, D.C., Reagan National sits in some of the most tightly congested and regulated airspace in the country.
Prior to Wednesday, it had been nearly 16 years since the last major crash involving a commercial aircraft on U.S. soil.
This is a developing story. Check back for further updates.
