FAA and NTSB Investigation:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that it will lead the investigation alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Officials state that a PSA Regional Jet collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching the runway at Reagan National Airport around 9:00 PM.
Flight and Crash Details:
The PSA jet was operating for American Airlines and had departed from Wichita, Kansas before the accident.
Authorities at Ronald Reagan Airport have announced that they will provide live coverage of updates as more information becomes available.
Weather Conditions at the Time of the Crash:
v Meteorologist Veronica Johnson provided insights into the weather:
v Warm daytime temperatures, but water temperatures remain cold.
v The Potomac River water temperature is currently 35°F, significantly lower than the air temperature.
v Winds have decreased to about 15–20 mph, improving conditions for search and rescue teams.
Active Search and Rescue Operation:
Emergency Response at the Scene:
Reporter Josh Chapin, reporting live from a staging area, observed:
* Initially, 25–30 fire trucks and emergency boats were on-site; the number has since decreased to just four or five.
* Emergency responders are shifting locations to optimize their search efforts.
* Boats and life-saving equipment have been deployed in the river.
Metro and Transportation Support:
v Authorities have positioned Metro buses at Gravelly Point for:
v Warming stations for divers and potential survivors.
v Evacuation and support efforts for those rescued.
Coordination with Dulles Airport for diverted flights due to the ground stop at Reagan National. Additionally, extra Silver Line Metro trains are running to accommodate stranded travelers.
Government Response and Public Statements:
FAA & NTSB Official Statements:
The FAA and NTSB have confirmed that they will lead the crash investigation and analyze flight data to determine the cause of the collision.
Statements from Government Officials:
Senator Ted Cruz, Chair of the Science and Transportation Committee, stated: "While we do not yet know how many on board were lost, we know that there are fatalities." Former President Donald Trump also released a statement: "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls. Thank you to our incredible first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."
Eyewitness Reports and Dispatch Calls:
Newly released emergency dispatch calls reveal the immediate response after the crash Dispatcher: "I'm reporting a helicopter crash over the Potomac River." Officer: "There is a helicopter in the river. Boats are retrieving the injured and searching for the aircraft at this moment."
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Impact of the Crash and Search Conditions:
- The search and rescue effort spans across Old Town Alexandria, Arlington, and Prince George’s County.
- Multiple helicopters from different agencies, including Maryland Natural Resources Police, Park Police, and Prince George’s County, are assisting in the rescue.
- The Black Box (Flight Data Recorder) will be key in understanding what led to the midair collision.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Updates:
Ø Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, focusing on Flight path data
Ø Air traffic control communications
Ø Weather and visibility conditions at the time of impact
We will continue to provide breaking news updates as more details emerge.
