Emergency response units conduct search and rescue operations in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
TOPEKA — A regional passenger jet traveling from Wichita to Washington, D.C., carrying 60 passengers and four crewmembers crashed midair into an Army helicopter Wednesday night as it attempted to land at Reagan Washington National Airport, according to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The flight left Wichita around 5:20 p.m. CDT, according to flight records. The jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, was operated by Pacific Southwest Airlines, or PSA, a regional subsidiary of American Airlines. It crashed into an Army Black Hawk helicopter shortly before 9 p.m. EST.
A camera at the Kennedy Center showed a bright, fiery blast in midair before both aircraft plummeted. No deaths had been confirmed as of 10 p.m. CST. American Airlines confirmed the crash and requested anyone who believes they had a loved one on board to call 800-679-8215.
Multiple people called law enforcement to report the crash at 8:53 p.m. EST, according to a joint news release from the local police department, fire department and emergency services. The three agencies and others were at the Potomac River conducting a search and rescue mission, the release said.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said she was “actively in contact with authorities” about the crash.
“My thoughts go out to those involved,” Kelly said. “I will share more information as it becomes available.”
Members of the Kansas congressional delegation also said they were closely monitoring the situation.
U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican who represents the Wichita-area 4th District, said he and his wife were “praying for those on board and for all of the first responders at the scene.”
“While we work to gather information, please join us in praying for the passengers, crews, and first responders,” said U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt.
U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, also a Republican, called the crash “nothing short of a nightmare.” He, too, has been in contact with local and national authorities.
“There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident,” he said in a news release.
U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids, Tracey Mann and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran offered thoughts and prayers for the victims, their loved ones, the flight crew and first responders.
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