Published January 29, 2025, 2000 hours PT

WASHINGTON DC (USA) — At 1841 hours this evening, scanner feeds became alive and flooding the airwaves with news of a mid-air collision between American Eagle 5342 (N709PS) and helo Army PAT-25 (VH-60).

(L) Live photo of the DCA Airport / Reagan National Airport

Both aircraft were reported as being in the Potomac River, at the Reagan National Airport Runway 33 DCA.

Multiple reports of people perishing in the collision were stated by multiple media outlets. According to scanner feed, Officials said unofficially bodies are being recovered but a total of 12 patients on the DC side were released. Their conditions and genders were not being released, for the privacy of their family members and the patients, themselves.

Multiple members of a Dive team were called and arrived on the scene quickly to start search and rescue operations.

The Reagan National Airport’s website stated all flights have been halted temporarily but terminals were reportedly open. This was at 1933 hours this evening.

Staging for the Fire Department was established at DC Fire Station 301 with multiple personnel for manpower and equipment being sent to this location.

Some of the other units assigned to this incident include:

  • Engines: 205, 201, 161 and 203.
  • Medic Units: 101, 2024, 209, 105, 207, 102, 109, 203, 311 and 110.
  • EMS Units: 201 and 102.
  • Swiftwater Rescue Team
  • Law Enforcement: Nora Units, Mobile Command, David Units.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN EAGLE AIRCRAFT

According to Aviation Safety Network https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/319924 this same aircraft with the tail number is said to be a Canadair CL-600-C210 REgional Jet CRJ-701ER owned by PSA Airlines, with the Operator listed as American Eagle. This plane was manufactured in 2004 with the Engine being manufactured by GE CF34-8C5B1. It can carry up to almost 70 passengers and crew.

There have been some incidents related to this aircraft within the last 10 years. Due to copyright laws, we are unable to share the stories/incidents/reports, etc. but you can do the same thing we did in researching this aircraft.

MARCH 26, 2021, 1040 HOURS | https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/309943

JUNE 27, 2018, 1706 HOURS UTC | https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/212701

FEBRUARY 15, 2017, 1142 HOURS | https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/319924

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