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Link to Vasaviation:    • Audio of MID-AIR CRASH into Potomac River ...  
Link to Avherald: https://avherald.com/h?article=523743...

A PSA Airlines Canadair CRJ-700 on behalf of American Airlines, registration N709PS performing flight AA-5342 from Wichita,KS to Washington National,DC (USA) with 60 passengers and 4 crew, had been on approach to National's runway 01 and was asked by tower whether they could land runway 33, which the crew affirmed, the aircraft was subsequently cleared to land on runway 33. The aircraft was on final approach to National's runway 33 descending through about 200 feet AGL about 0.6nm before the runway threshold when the aircraft collided with a military Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter call sign PAT25, both aircraft fell into the Potomac River at 20:46L (01:46Z 30.1.). "Tower, did you see that?" somebody radioed at 01:46:39Z. All subsequent approaches were instructed to go around, departures were halted. About 4 hours later no survivors have been recovered.

The airport was temporarily closed, subsequently runway 15/33 remained closed.

Tower told aircraft waiting for departures that there had been a collision on finals to runway 33, the airfield was closed and they should return to the apron and shut engines down.

Tower diverted several helicopters in the area following the crash.

A massive rescue operation commenced, with multiple helicopters over the crash site and boats were on scene for search and rescue. Emergency Services stated that due to the current temperatures people would have only about 15-30 minutes until hypothermia sets in and about 30-90 minutes survival time. Emergency Services reported they received an alert from the FAA tower about the crash at 20:48L (01:48Z 30.1.), a state and federal response was initiated involving about 300 personnel.

On Jan 30th 2025 at about 00:30L (05:30Z) local police reported, that fatalities are confirmed, so far no survivors have been rescued.

Eyewitnesses reported there were suddenly sparks and the aircraft rolled beyond 90 degrees and belly up, possibly about 120 feet above water, and plunged into the water. They could not see a helicopter.

The FAA reported: "A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation." The FAA subsequently added the airport will remain closed until Friday Jan 31st 2025 05:00L.

The NTSB reported: "NTSB has launched a go-team to the aviation accident involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 airplane and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport."

The US Army reported a Blackhawk UH-60 departing Belvoir,VA (USA) for a training mission was involved in the midair collision. According to preliminary information there were 3 people on board of the helicopter.