In a horrific incident, a passenger airplane collided with a military helicopter of the “Black Hawk” type in the air near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. The accident occurred while the aircraft was approaching the runway, resulting in it falling into the nearby Potomac River. This led to the suspension of all takeoff and landing operations at the airport.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the civilian aircraft was carrying 60 passengers on a domestic flight. A U.S. military official confirmed that the military helicopter was carrying three soldiers, and there were no senior officials on board. So far, the number of casualties or injuries resulting from this incident has not been announced.

The relevant authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the causes of the accident and the circumstances surrounding it. The FAA and the U.S. Department of Defense are expected to issue additional statements as investigations progress.

This incident has raised widespread concern about aviation safety, especially given its occurrence near the U.S. capital. It is expected that this incident will affect flight schedules in the area until operations resume normally.

In a statement from American Airlines: "We are aware of reports that American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA, which departed from Wichita, Kansas (ICT) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), was involved in an incident. We will provide information as it becomes available."

For his part, newly sworn-in U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that he is monitoring developments related to the plane crash in the Potomac River from the FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Duffy said in a post on the “X” platform: "I am at the FAA headquarters and closely following the situation."

Meanwhile, reports indicated that Secretary Duffy arrived at the site near the plane crash.

A statement from the Pentagon said that 3 soldiers from the U.S. Army were on board the “Black Hawk” helicopter that collided with the plane.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly stated: "I know that a plane coming from Wichita was involved in a crash at Reagan National Airport. I am in constant contact with the authorities. My thoughts are with all those affected. I will share more information as it becomes available."