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PROMO 64J1 Transportation - Airport Plane Reagan National Washington DC - Chris Sorensen

Plane from Wichita to Washington, D.C., crashes into Army helicopter, Potomac River

© Chris Sorensen
Anna Kaminski
(Kansas Reflector)

A regional passenger jet traveling from Wichita to Washington, D.C., carrying 60 passengers and four crew members 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 9:00 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 10:00 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.

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PROMO Military - Pentagon Building Washington DC Army Navy Airforce Marines - iStock - icholakov

© iStock - icholakov

Multiple 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 Governor 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. Representative 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. Representative Derek Schmidt.

U.S. Senator Doc Marshall 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. Representatives Sharice Davids, Tracey Mann and Derek Schmidt and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran offered their thoughts and prayers for the victims, their loved ones, the flight crew and first responders.


Kansas Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com.