Plane Crashes Into Potomac River In US After Mid-Air Collision With Chopper: Pilot desperately says " I want the flight to land"

Washington D.C: A devastating collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter occurred Wednesday night near Washington D.C.'s Reagan National Airport, with multiple fatalities reported and rescue operations continuing in the Potomac River.

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The American Eagle Flight 5342, operating from Wichita, Kansas to Washington D.C., was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it collided with the military helicopter, which had three soldiers aboard. The Black Hawk was conducting a training flight from Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir when the incident occurred.

According to CBS News sources, at least 18 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River as dozens of firefighters engage in dive operations. The situation remains grim, with rescue workers describing "stunning" scenes and reporting no signs of survivors thus far.

President Donald Trump, who was quickly briefed on the incident, raised questions about air traffic control effectiveness in a post on Truth Social, stating that the crash "should have been prevented." The Federal Aviation Administration has closed Reagan National Airport until at least Friday morning as investigations continue.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom announced his immediate departure for Washington D.C., along with the company's Go Team. The airline has established a toll-free number (800-679-8215) for families seeking information about loved ones who may have been aboard Flight 5342.

In an official statement, American Airlines confirmed: "The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700. Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts."

The US Army confirmed that the helicopter involved belonged to Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, and was conducting a routine training flight when the collision occurred. Senator Ted Cruz acknowledged there were fatalities but did not provide specific details about the casualties.

The collision has prompted a massive emergency response, with rescue teams focusing their efforts on the Potomac River where much of the wreckage is believed to have fallen. The incident represents one of the most serious aviation disasters in the D.C. area in recent years.

The timing of the crash and the involvement of both civilian and military aircraft has raised questions about air traffic coordination in the busy airspace around the nation's capital. The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to launch a full investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision.

For families seeking information about passengers, American Airlines has provided additional contact numbers available on news.aa.com for those calling from outside the United States, while residents of Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands can use the main toll-free number.

As the rescue operation continues and investigators begin their work, the focus remains on recovering victims and determining the cause of this tragic collision that has shaken both the aviation community and the nation's capital.