DC Plane Helicopter Crash Video 20250129
Around Maryland, Police/Fire, Traffic

Video of plane and helicopter crash in DC emerges, no survivors found

Posted on by Chris Montcalmo

WASHINGTON, DC—A jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members crashed into the Potomac River Wednesday night after colliding with a military helicopter during its approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport, according to officials. The incident, which occurred just over 3 miles south of the White House and the U.S. Capitol, is feared to have killed everyone on board both aircraft, according to the Associated Press.

The collision took place around 9 p.m. between American Airlines Flight 5342, a regional jet completing its flight from Wichita, Kansas, and a military helicopter engaged in a training exercise. The Federal Aviation Administration reports that air traffic controllers had cleared the jet to land on a shorter runway, adjusting its approach accordingly.

Less than 30 seconds prior to the crash, communications between air traffic controllers and the helicopter revealed attempts to coordinate the aircraft’s movements. The controller instructed the helicopter to wait for the jet to pass, but there was no response. Seconds later, the aircraft collided. The plane’s transponder ceased transmitting shortly after this exchange, indicating its location roughly over the middle of the Potomac River.

Officials have located the body of the plane, found upside-down in three sections in waist-deep water, as well as the wreckage of the helicopter. Authorities have not yet released any information regarding the identities of the victims.

The death toll has risen to 30, as of Thursday morning.  The Maryland Department of Emergency Management has raised the State Activation Level to PARTIAL as the investigation continues.  For those traveling in the D.C. area, several streets have been closed around the Potomac River.  Motorists should avoid the area.

“We are closely monitoring the aviation collision incident that occurred earlier this evening near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport,” said Governor Wes Moore. “The State of Maryland and local authorities are engaged in response.”



President Donald Trump will holding a press briefing on the disaster at 11 a.m. EST on Thursday.

Video footage of the crash can be viewed below.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.


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