American Airlines Regional Plane Carrying 64 Hits Military Chopper Near D.C. Airport

American Airlines Regional Plane Carrying 64 Hits Military Chopper Near D.C. Airport - image credited to cbsnews.com

On Wednesday night, an American Airlines regional plane carrying 64 passengers collided with a Black Hawk military helicopter close to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, said the Federal Aviation Agency.

At about 9 p.m. ET, American Eagle Flight 5342, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional airliner, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter on approach into Runway 33, the FAA reported. FlightRadar24 reports that the flight, which was arriving from Wichita, Kansas, was flying at roughly 300 feet at the time of the incident.

An American Airlines affiliate, PSA Airlines is among its regional carriers. American Eagle is the airline brand used for regional flights.

In a video message posted Wednesday night, American CEO Robert Isom said he would "shortly" travel to Washington DC along with an airline "go-team."

The American jet had four crew members and sixty passengers, according to the company.

American expressed in a statement, "Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft." "We are helping with emergency response and corresponding with authorities."

According to a Metropolitan Police Department statement, several agencies are already organizing a search and rescue effort along the Potomac River.

Citing a police official, CBS News said that at least eighteen remains had been retrieved thus far. Two sources reported to Reuters several dead had been hauled from the sea.

Should "you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342," the airline offered contact details.

Thursday, the FAA reported Reagan Washington National closed Wednesday at least 5 a.m. ET.