UPDATE 2/1/2025: Officials have stated the mid-air collision between the U.S. Army helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 leaves all 67 passengers presumed dead, recovery operations are still underway. D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly stated during a news conference, that he's confident that all of the victim from the crash will be recovered.
American Airlines Flight 5342 Crew - The Flight had 60 passengers and four crew members
This tragedy has deeply affected numerous communities, including figure skating, aviation, and various professional circles.
Further updates will be provided when they become available. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all the victims during this difficult time.
"We are not expecting flights to resume until at least 11 a.m. today (Thursday). We will update if this changes."
Law enforcement officials stated there are confirmed fatalities, although they did not specify how many, no known survivors have been recovered so far.
According to DC Mayor Bowser, there were 64 people on board the airplane, with three soldiers in the U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter.
Joint Task Force-National Capital Region confirmed the Blackhawk helicopter was on a training flight, and is based out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
On Monday, April 17th, 2017, a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk from the 12th Aviation Battalion, based out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, crashed in Leonardtown during a training flight.
The FAA has stated the passenger plane was American Airlines Flight 5342 which is operated by PSA airlines, and was traveling from Wichita, Kansas to Reagan National Airport.
The airplane was identified as a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, when it collided midair with the U.S Army UH-60 helicopter as it approached the runway.