Shocking Earthcam images have recorded the moment that a flight from American Airlines 5342 collided with a military helicopter about Washington DC.
The horrible crash happened over the river Potomac when the passenger jet tried to land on Reagan National Airport on Wednesday just before 9 p.m.
The images shows the Army Chopper – with three soldiers on a training flight – who come in from the left side of the screen and gradually cross for the jet while he tries to land.
Cockpit crew that led the passenger jet, with 64 people, would probably be blinded by the helicopter.
The two crashes together, formed an enormous orange fireball that could be seen from miles away and caught from several corners.
The explosion eventually becomes smaller and smaller before both aircraft fall from the frame to the Potomac.
The Federal Aviation Authority said the American Airlines Jet, a Bombardier CRJ700, collided with a Sikorksy H-60 ​​Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Runway 33.
A dashcam video made by a driver traveling during the crash shows the explosion that takes place in the distance, visibly with the Schokoranje glow from the ground.
The dramatic Earthcam video shows the two planes that collide before they fell over the river
At least four people were pulled out of the water by rescue teams and taken to the hospital.
Legal enforcement has confirmed that there have been dead and rescuers did not pull anyone alive from the river, CNN reported.
In a statement shared on X, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security wrote: 'We implement every available American Coast Guard Source for search and rescue efforts in this horrible incident at DCA.
“We actively follow the situation and are ready to support local responders.”
The Air Line Pilots Association said in a social function that they are sending a research team of accidents to help the National Transportation Safety Board investigate the crash.
CNN reported that the State Police of Maryland has used divers to help search and recovery efforts. First -responders from Virginia are also on site.
Fire boats are on the water and the Metropolitan Police Department is also on site.
A senior FBI officer said that Washington Field Officer's staff is close by, but there are no indications that there was something criminal or terrorist about the crash, NBC reported.
Dash cam -images taken by the driver who traveled during the crash shows the explosion that occurs in the distance
Cars are seen below, because the interception caused a huge spark
All starts and landings on the Reagan National Airport have stopped.
The White House has also confirmed the nature of the crash, in which press secretary Karoline Leavitt Live confirmed that President Trump had been informed of the crash.
Trump said in a statement: 'I was fully informed about the terrible accident that just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God bless their souls.
'Thank you for the incredible work that is done by our first care providers. I follow the situation and will give more details when they occur. '
American Airlines said in a statement: 'We are aware of reports that American Eagle Flight 5342, managed by PSA, with the service of Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) was involved in an incident. We will provide information when it becomes available. '
In a post to X, vice-president JD Vance said: 'Please say a prayer for anyone involved in the collision in the air near Reagan Airport tonight.
“We follow the situation, but let's hope now.”
Phases for emergency equipment in Gravelly Point, north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, along the Potomac River, Wednesday January 29, 2025
A FAA statement said: 'A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Regional Jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 ​​helicopter while around 9 p.m. local time on the catwalk 33 on the runway 33 on Reagan Washton National Airport.
'PSA worked as a flight 5342 for American Airlines. It left Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation. '
NBC -head meteorologist Doug Kammerer said that at the time of the incident the water temperature in the river was about 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
Kammerer said that at that temperature someone in the water only has 15 to 20 minutes before they start suffering from hypothermia.
