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American Airlines regional jet involved in midair collision

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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.

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: “We’re aware of reports that American Eagle flight 5342, operated by PSA, with service from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) has been involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available.

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.

American Airlines’ fleet of CRJ700 aircraft carry up to 65 passengers, with additional flight deck and cabin crew members on each flight.

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.



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