President Donald Trump urged the horrific collision between an Military Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airways jet close to Reagan Nationwide Airport outdoors Washington, D.C., late Wednesday might have been prevented.
“The airplane was on an ideal and routine line of strategy to the airport. The helicopter was going straight on the airplane for an prolonged time frame,” Trump posted on Reality Social early Thursday morning.
“It’s a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the aircraft have been blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or flip. Why didn’t the management tower inform the helicopter what to do as a substitute of asking in the event that they noticed the aircraft. This can be a unhealthy scenario that appears prefer it ought to have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”
LIVE UPDATES: AMERICAN AIRLINES PLANE, MILITARY HELICOPTER COLLIDE NEAR REGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT IN WASHINGTON, DC
Emergency response models assess airplane wreckage within the Potomac River close to Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airways flight from Wichita, Kansas collided with a helicopter whereas approaching Ronald Reagan Nationwide Airport. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Photos)
In keeping with the Federal Aviation Administration, a PSA Airways Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter whereas on strategy to Runway 33 at Reagan Nationwide Airport (DCA) round 9 p.m. native time. The jet was working as Flight 5342 for American Airways, and it departed from Wichita, Kansas.
There have been 60 passengers and 4 crew members aboard the American Airways flight and three Military troopers on the Black Hawk. These aboard the aircraft included “a number of members” of U.S. Determine Skating, together with athletes, coaches and relations who had simply attended the U.S. Determine Skating Championships held in Wichita from Jan. 20 to Jan. 26.
The precise variety of accidents and fatalities has not but been confirmed.
REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT CRASH: MILITARY BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER COLLIDES MIDAIR WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES JET
Emergency service autos stand close to the location of the crash after American Eagle flight 5342 collided with a helicopter whereas approaching Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport and crashed within the Potomac River, outdoors Washington, D.C., on Jan. 29, 2025. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
On the time of the crash, Reagan Nationwide Airport reported clear skies, visibility of 10 miles and winds sustained out of the northwest at 16 mph, gusting to 26 mph. The temperature was 50 levels.
Almost 300 first responders deployed to the freezing Potomac River, the place the wreckage of the aircraft lies partially submerged for search and rescue operations, however hope of discovering survivors is fading. The temperature within the river was 37 levels on Wednesday night time.
AMERICAN FIGURE SKATING MEMBERS, RUSSIAN OLYMPIANS ABOARD PLANE IN REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT CRASH
A ship works the scene close to Ronald Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport, on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. (Alex Brandon/AP)
Vice President JD Vance took to social media Wednesday night time to handle the collision and urge prayer for these concerned.
“Please say a prayer for everybody concerned within the mid-air collision close to Reagan airport this night. We’re monitoring the scenario, however for now let’s hope for the perfect,” he stated.
The Nationwide Transportation Security Board, FAA and the U.S. Military have every launched probes into the lethal collision.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and different officers will maintain a press convention at 7:30 a.m. ET Thursday at Reagan Nationwide Airport.
“Tonight, as our first responders proceed their efforts, we’re sending our love and prayers to the households, family members, and communities who’re experiencing loss throughout this horrible tragedy,” she wrote on X.
The airport stays closed till 11 a.m. this morning following the close by collision final night time between an American Airways passenger jet and an Military helicopter.
“What a horrible night time this has been,” Trump stated. “God bless you all!”
Fox Information’ Greg Wehner, Jen Griffin, Bradford Betz Gabriele Regalbuto and Greg Norman contributed to this report.
