American Airlines plane collides midair with Black Hawk Helicopter

On Wednesday, a passenger flight and a Black Hawk Helicopter collided in the sky, crashing into the Potomac River near the Reagan National Airport near Washington D.C, as officials said. According to American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, American Eagle flight number 5342 regional Airline was carrying 60 travelers along with four crew members when it struck in midair. The Aircraft was the Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet that contained 65 seats, among which 44 were in the main cabin, 12 in the main cabin extra, and 9 in the first class,s says the company; however, the model was launched in 1997. 

As per the reports, there were three soldiers aboard the Sikorsky H-60, a Defense Department official. At least 19 bodies have been recovered by 2:50 am. 

What exactly happened?

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a PSA Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while approaching Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport (DCA) around 9 pm local time. The flight was taken off from Wichita, Kansas. The Black Hawk Helicopter involved in this crash was on a training flight and belonged to B company. 12th aviation Battalion out of Fort Belvoir in Virginia, Joint Task Force National Capital Region media Chief Heather Chairez told. There was no immediate word on casualties or the reason behind the collision.

Therefore, a live stream camera at the Kenndy Center in Washington, D.C., captures when the American Airlines plane collides midair with a Black Hawk Helicopter in the Potomac River area at 8:47 p.m. Eastern. 

What do we know about the massive search and rescue operation?

As of 2:50 am, Thursday officials disclosed at least 19 bodies had been recovered from the river, which contained three debris fields. The officials said that no survivors had been found. On early Thursday, officials said that Police boats and divers were escorting search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.  

Thus, it is a tremendously strenuous operation. The weather conditions are extraordinarily bumpy for the responders due to cold, and they are dealing with relatively windy conditions,' District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief John Donnelly said.

Jack Potter, the President and CEO of Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said that flights would resume from the Airport at 11 am. At the time of the crash, Reagan National Airport reported clear skies with visibility of 10 miles and winds sustained out of the northwest.

Elected officials reacted on Collision:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump is aware of the situation and called it tragic. Later, Trump released a statement, writing, "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work done by our First responders. I monitor the situation and will provide more details as they arise." 

Kensen Roger said, " Tonight, we received the devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. I have been in contact with local and national authorities".