Aerial Images Show Crashed Aircraft Section Floating In Potomac

Newly released aerial images show rescue boats surrounding a crumpled fuselage section floating in the Potomac River following a tragic midair collision involving an American Airlines passenger plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport. The wreckage, which could belong to either AA Flight 5342 or the UH-60 helicopter, remains difficult to identify at this time.

Midair Collision Over Washington, DC

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and defense officials, a passenger aircraft carrying 64 people collided with the military helicopter while approaching the runway outside Washington, DC. The impact sent both aircraft plummeting into the river, leaving a chaotic scene for emergency responders.

Rescue Efforts

Law enforcement sources have confirmed fatalities, but no survivors have been recovered from the wreckage so far. Rescuers describe the scene as devastating, with the plane shattered into multiple pieces and the helicopter submerged nearby.

American Airlines Flight 5342, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, before the collision.
The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, reportedly on a training mission, had three soldiers on board.

Reagan National Airport has halted all takeoffs and landings in response to the incident.