In the early hours of Tuesday morning, President Trump took to Truth Social to address the tragic collision near Reagan National Airport between an Army helicopter and a PSA/American Airlines passenger plane. The plane, en route from Wichita, Kansas, was on its final approach to Reagan when it was struck by the helicopter from the right side at an altitude of around three hundred feet. The Army helicopter, conducting a training flight out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was reported to have three soldiers on board, while the plane carried sixty passengers and four crew members.
Rescue operations are currently underway at the crash site, located near the Maryland side of the Potomac River just south of Washington, D.C. The collision was captured on video by a webcam at the Kennedy Center, showing a mid-air explosion across the Potomac.
President Trump expressed his concerns about the incident, questioning why the helicopter did not take evasive action despite the clear night conditions and the visibility of the plane’s lights. He criticized the control tower for not providing guidance to the helicopter and described the situation as preventable.
In an official statement from the White House, President Trump extended his condolences to the victims and their families, praising the efforts of first responders at the scene. Vice President J.D. Vance also urged the public to pray for those involved in the collision and expressed hope for a positive outcome.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon has launched an investigation into the incident, with the Military District of Washington confirming that the helicopter was on a training mission from Fort Belvoir. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have also been actively involved in monitoring the situation and coordinating support for search and rescue efforts.
As the investigation continues and rescue operations progress, the nation remains united in prayer for the victims and gratitude for the dedication of first responders on the scene. The collaborative efforts of federal agencies, state officials, and local authorities reflect a unified response to this tragic event.
