Washington, DC Jan 30: An American Airlines flight collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night, sending the aircraft into the Potomac River, officials confirmed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, which can carry up to 78 passengers, was on its final approach around 9:00 PM EST (02:00 GMT) when it struck the helicopter. The aircraft, identified as American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, went down in the river, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Rescue teams, including search and rescue boats, were deployed to the crash site as authorities scrambled to assess the situation. The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed an ongoing search operation in coordination with multiple agencies. Local police clarified that the helicopter involved did not belong to their department.
In response to the incident, all takeoffs and landings at Ronald Reagan National Airport were temporarily halted. The FAA has launched an investigation into the crash.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they emerge.
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