Deadly Plane Crash Near DCA Forces Airport Shutdown, Several Confirmed Dead

Last Updated on Feb 12th, 2025 by Chakshu Kaur, Leave a Comment

A midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., has led to a tragic crash into the Potomac River. As a result, all flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) have been temporarily halted.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash involved an American Airlines jet that was coming from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The helicopter was a U.S. Army Black Hawk, and early reports suggest that three people were on board.

Both aircraft are believed to have crashed into the Potomac River, and a search-and-rescue operation is underway. The dark and challenging conditions have made rescue efforts difficult, but emergency personnel are working hard to locate any survivors.

Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare.  A plane, traveling to the Nation's capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each…

— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) January 30, 2025

Timeline of the Incident

• 12:00 PM: Collision between American Airlines jet and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter
• 12:15 PM: All flights at DCA grounded
• 12:30 PM: Emergency services arrive on the scene
• 2:30 PM: Flights start to slowly resume, with delays expected

What did Donald Trump say?

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has commented on the situation, stating:
“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was heading straight toward the plane for a long time. Why didn’t the helicopter go up or down? Why didn’t the control tower instruct the helicopter? This looks like it should have been prevented. It’s a terrible situation.”

Impact on Flights

The collision has caused major disruptions at DCA, with all takeoffs and landings halted. Over 100 flights have been delayed or canceled, leaving many travelers stranded or looking for alternatives. For anyone affected, it’s recommended to stay in touch with airlines for rebooking or cancellation updates.

How to Stay Updated?

For the latest information, follow DCA’s official Twitter account. Real-time updates on flight status and airport operations will be shared there.

What You Need to Know

• Flights Resuming: While some flights are slowly resuming, significant delays are expected for the rest of the day and into the next 24-48 hours.
• For Affected Travelers: Airlines are offering rebooking options for canceled flights. Be sure to check with your airline for more details.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on real-time flight updates through your airline’s website or app.

FAQs

Q: Why were all flights halted at DCA?

Answer: Flights were grounded after a midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The crash led to a temporary shutdown of the airport.

Q: How long will the disruptions last?

Answer: Disruptions are expected to continue for the rest of the day, and delays may last up to 24-48 hours. Stay updated through your airline.

Q: Were there any injuries?

Answer: At least 19 fatalities have been confirmed. The situation is still under investigation, and no survivors have been found yet.

Q: How can I check if my flight has been delayed or canceled?

Answer: You can check your flight status through your airline’s app or website, and follow updates on DCA’s official channels.

Conclusion

It’s been a difficult and tragic day for travelers and authorities at DCA, with operations slowly getting back on track. If you’re flying in the next few days, expect delays and stay updated through official sources.

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