Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
A passenger jet and a military helicopter collided near Reagan National Airport outside Washington late on Wednesday, the US Federal Aviation Administration said.
The regional flight, operated by PSA Airlines for American Airlines, had originated in Wichita, Kansas. The Bombardier CRJ700 and a US Army Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided as the jet approached the airport around 9pm.
Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department said on X that “a multi-agency search and rescue operation is under way in the Potomac River after aircraft crash”.
American Airlines said it was “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.” It added that it would provide information as it becomes available.
A US defence official said there was a three-person crew on board but there were no senior US officials on the helicopter.
US vice-president JD Vance issued a statement on X asking for a “prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening”. He added that “we’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best”.
Pete Hegseth, the defence secretary, said the Pentagon was “actively monitoring”.
“Poised to assist if needed. Prayers for all involved,” he added.
Reagan National Airport, which is located on the Virginia side of the Potomac river, across from the National Mall of the US capital, said all take-offs and landings had been stopped but the terminal remained open.
Bombardier referred questions about the accident to MHI RJ, saying it had acquired the CRJ series of aircraft and the supporting operations in 2020. MHI RJ could not immediately be reached for comment.
Read the full article here