Witness to Mid-Air Collision near Reagan National Airport Shares Their Experience
An unsettling event took place in the skies close to Reagan National Airport, where a commercial jet and a military helicopter collided, leading to a swift emergency response.

On the evening of January 29, 2025, a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided mid-air with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that this incident happened around 9 p.m. local time during the jet’s approach to Runway 33.
Abadi Ismail, who witnessed the collision from Buzzard Point near James Creek Marina, shared his experience of the event. “I have a great view of the Potomac River, Anacostia River, Reagan Airport, and the military base. I could see everything happening from the moment the crash occurred,” he explained.

Ismail, who was watching television, heard an alarming noise. “It was a loud and unexpected ‘bang, bang.’ Something unusual that you don’t typically hear,” he recalled.
Looking out the window, Ismail observed smoke rising from the airport’s south side, initially unsure of the situation. However, not long after, emergency teams from DC Park Police, Coast Guard, DC Police, Arlington Police, and fire departments reached the location swiftly.

“All resources within DC were dispatched to the crash. That’s when I captured the video at around 8:50 p.m.,” Ismail recounted.
As the responders worked tirelessly overnight, more details emerged about the challenges faced at the crash site. The Potomac River was frozen, which complicated rescue operations further. “The U.S. Coast Guard had to navigate through the ice to access the crash scene,” Ismail observed.

Ismail further explained that based on his observations and contacts within the DC Park, the operation had devolved from a search-and-rescue to a recovery effort.
“The crash site is a short distance from me. My friends at DC Park analyzed the site and concluded that it’s unfortunately a recovery mission now,” he added.
During an official briefing, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly stated that an alert triggered a wide-scale emergency response at 8:48 p.m. “By 8:58, our teams arrived to find an aircraft in the water and initiated rescue missions,” Donnelly explained.

In total, about 300 responders were involved, working under a collaborative effort with the National Capital Region Mutual Aid Agreement, incorporating Washington, Baltimore, and Virginia.
“It’s a very complex operation. Conditions are harsh due to the cold and wind. Responders are doing their utmost while ensuring safety,” Donnelly remarked.
By 2:50 a.m. on January 30, authorities verified the recovery of 19 bodies from the river amidst three distinct debris fields, with no survivors.
Further examinations include air traffic control logs, flight data, and atmospheric conditions to uncover the cause. Video from the Daily Mail captured the collision moments. American Airlines confirmed Flight 5342, the aircraft involved, carried 60 passengers and four crew members at the time.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his concerns on Truth Social: “The airplane’s approach was routine. The helicopter inexplicably stayed on a collision course. It was a clear night; the plane’s lights were on. This situation seems preventable. Very concerning!”

Following the collision, President Trump further added sympathetically: “What a tragic night. God bless everyone affected!”

The FAA disclosed specific details about the aircraft: “Around 9 p.m., a mid-air collision involved a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter near Reagan Airport’s Runway 33. The flight departed Wichita, Kansas as American Airlines Flight 5342.”
The investigative process continues to unravel the cause of this unfortunate event. Authorities look at air traffic records, onboard equipment data, and climatic patterns to deduce what transpired.
The FAA and NTSB request anyone with more footage or pertinent information to assist in shedding further light on this incident.