Shocking EarthCam footage has captured the moment an American Airlines flight 5342 collided with a military helicopter over Washington DC.
The horrifying crash happened over the Potomac River as the passenger jet was attempting to land at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday just before 9 pm.
The footage shows the Army chopper – carrying three soldiers on a training flight – coming in from the left side of the screen and gradually crossing in front of the jet as it attempts to land.
Flight crew guiding the passenger jet, carrying 64 people, would have likely been blindsided by the helicopter.
The two crash into one another, forming a massive orange fireball that could be seen from miles away and was caught from multiple angles.
The explosion eventually becomes smaller and smaller before both aircrafts are seen descending out of frame toward the Potomac.
The Federal Aviation Authority said that the American Airlines jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a Sikorksy H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Runway 33.
A dashcam video taken by a driver who was traveling near the crash shows the explosion occurring in the distance, with the shock orange glow visible from the ground.
The dramatic EarthCam video shows the two aircrafts colliding before they fell over the river
At least four people have been pulled out of the water by rescue crews and taken to the hospital.
Law enforcement has confirmed there have been deaths and rescuers have not pulled anyone alive from the river, CNN reported.
In a statement shared on X, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security wrote: ‘We are deploying every available US Coast Guard resource for search and rescue efforts in this horrific incident at DCA.
‘We are actively monitoring the situation & stand ready to support local responders.’
The Air Line Pilots Association said in a social post they are sending an accident investigation team to assist the National Transportation Safety Board with looking into the crash.
CNN reported that Maryland State Police have deployed divers to aid search and recovery efforts. First responders from Virginia are on the scene as well.
Fireboats are on the water and the Metropolitan Police Department is also on the scene.
A senior FBI official said Washington Field Officer personnel are near by to assist, but there is no indication that there was anything criminal or terrorist about the crash, NBC reported.
Dash cam footage taken by driver who was traveling near the crash shows the explosion occurring in the distance
Cars are seen driving below as the interception caused a massive spark
All takeoffs and landings at the Reagan National Airport have been stopped.
The White House has also confirmed the nature of the crash, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming live on air that President Trump had been made aware of the crash.
Trump said in a statement: ‘I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls.
‘Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.’
American Airlines said in a statement: ‘We’re 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. We will provide information as it becomes available.’
In a post to X, Vice President JD Vance said: ‘Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening.
‘We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.’
Emergency equipment stages at Gravelly Point, north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the Potomac River, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025
An FAA statement said: ‘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.’
NBC Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said that at the time of the incident the water temperature in the river was around 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
Kammerer said that at that temperature someone in the water has only 15 to 20 minutes before they start suffering from hypothermia.