Authorities report no survivors.
Frederick, MD (DG) – An American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, just south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 PM Wednesday. The plane was from Wichita, Kansas and carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and the Black Hawk helicopter, from Fort Belvoir, had three U.S. Army personnel on board.
The Federal Aviation Administration is reporting that the plane was on approach to Runway 33 when the accident happened. The collision resulted in both aircraft crashing into the river.
A massive recovery mission is underway and authorities report dozens of bodies have been pulled from the river. In response to the accident, all operations at Reagan National Airport have been suspended. The airport is anticipated to remain closed until at least 11 AM.
Stay tuned to WFMD News for the latest on this accident.
By Dianah Gibson