
Military Helicopter Collides With Commercial Plane Near D.C.—No Survivors
WASHINGTON D.C. (KPEL News) - Officials are publicly acknowledging there may be no survivors after a military helicopter crashed into a commercial flight over the Potomac in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night.
The helicopter, which White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed was a military aircraft, crashed into a commercial plane that was carrying 60 passengers. Among the passengers were figure skaters who were returning from a national competition in Wichita, Kansas.
"President Trump has been made aware of this situation and tragically it appears that a military helicopter collided with a regional jet," Leavitt said on Fox News Friday night.
The President issued a statement late Wednesday night.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls," President Donald Trump said in his statement. "Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
Recently sworn-in Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there were no unusual signs or conditions ahead of the crash. Military and civilian aircraft frequently share the airspace with no problem. There is no official explanation at this time as to what led to the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident in a statement Wednesday night.
"A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time," the agency said in a statement. "PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas."
The agency also noted that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will take the lead in investigating what happened.
"The FAA and NTSB will investigate," it continued. "The NTSB will lead the investigation. We will provide updates as information comes in."
Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas posted a statement on X, saying he learned "that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA."
"I am in contact with authorities," he added. "Please join me in praying for all involved."
There is also video circulating of the crash, as well as video of emergency response efforts.
This is a developing story, and the KPEL News Team is working to provide additional coverage for Acadiana. Updates will be shared as they become available, so download the KPEL News app via Google Play or in the App Store and subscribe to breaking news alerts to get the latest information sent directly to your mobile device.
You can also use the KPEL app to submit a news tip, share a traffic update, or chat directly with our on-air team.
Be sure to bookmark our latest site, wearelafayette.net, where we provide more local news coverage as well as lifestyle and community features.
To report errors, omissions, or other concerns regarding the content above, send emails to news@kpel965.com.
Remember These Awesome Stores No Longer in the Acadiana Mall in Lafayette, Louisiana?
Gallery Credit: Joe Cunningham
More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL








![Plane Crashes Into Water Near Beach, Lifeguards Race to Rescue [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/34/files/2022/07/attachment-Screen-Shot-2022-07-23-at-12.33.16-PM.jpg?w=980&q=75)