The 64 passengers and crew of a river in Washington, DC, crashed into the air with a US army helicopter.
Eighteen bodies have been withdrawn from the Botomac River so far, as search and rescue teams roam the water at frozen temperatures, according to the police official who spoke to the BBC broadcasting partner, CBS News.
The authorities are investigating, and Ronald Reagan Washington Airport has been based near all flights.
What happened?
At approximately 21:00 local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday, the Psa Airlines that operated as an American Airlines 5342 aircraft with a US Army helicopter with Ronald Reagan Washington's National Airport approaching, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
American Airlines said the passenger plane, Bombardier CRJ700, left Witchita, Kansas and was carrying 60 passengers and four crew.
The Pentagon said that the concerned helicopter was Sikorsky H-60 that took off from Fort Balfwar in Virginia.
The mayor of Washington, Morel, Morel Boser, said that three American soldiers were on board. Another official said he was on a training trip, and he belonged to B. The twelfth aviation battalion of Fort Balves in Virginia.
A clip that was published online, and reviewed by CNN aims to capture air traffic monitoring conversation in moments before collapse. According to what was reported, the helicopter warning unit can be heard from the plane, but do not receive any response. The sound has not been checked by the BBC.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it will investigate the incident, along with the National Transport Safety Council (NTSB).
Was there losses?
Washington officials refused to confirm reports of losses during a press conference, saying they are focusing on continuing rescue efforts during the night – which they describe as a challenge.
However, the police officer told CBS that 18 bodies of water were withdrawn.
“Many members of our ski community were on board,” said ice skiing in the United States. She said that this group consists of athletes, coaches and family members who were returning to their homes from the Tanmas camp in Kansas.
Early reports in the American media said that the passenger plane could be divided into two halves on the Botomac River, while the helicopter was upside down in the water.
John Donlley, head of the Washington Emergency Services, said that about 300 respondents were deployed on rubber boats to search for survivors.
“The challenge is access, there are winds, pieces of ice (on water). It is dangerous and difficult to work on,” he said.
What does eyewitnesses say?
Arie Choelman told NBC Washington that he saw the crash of the plane while driving on the George Washington Road, which runs along the airport.
He said that the plane's approach seemed natural, until he saw the aircraft bank strongly on the right, with the “sparks” that work under it, which illuminates its stomach.
At that point, he said he knew he seemed “very wrong.” After he saw a landing on the plane there in the past, he said that the lower plane side should not be visible in the dark.
He said that the sparks resemble a “giant Roman candle” and went from the nose of the plane to its tail.
Jimmy Mazio said he saw the accident while eating dinner with his girlfriend in a garden near the airport.
Remember seeing what looks like a “white strait” in the sky. He said that the aircraft flying to Ronald Reagan Airport seemed to fly in “irregular patterns.”
Mr. Mazeo said he did not think much about what he saw until emergency services began to reach the scene.
What do American officials say?
President Donald Trump said he was completely briefed on the “terrible accident” and that he was closely watching the situation.
“May God bless their souls.” Thank you for the amazing work of our first respondents.
On his account on social media, he also raised questions about how the accident occurred. Writing: “This is a bad situation that he should have been prevented. Not good !!!”
Vice President JD Vance requested the prayers for those who were in the accident.
Defense Minister Beit Higseth and Transport Minister Sean Dove, whose appointments were recently confirmed, said they were watching the situation.
When asked if the flight tracks near Ronald Reagan Airport will be changed after the accident, Duffy said, “We will take the appropriate action if necessary.” He added, “There will be a review of what happened here tonight.”
Robert Isom, CEO of America Airlines, expressed his “deep sorrow” about the collision in a video clip posted on the airline website.
This was repeated by Roger Marshall, US Senate member represented Kansas, as the plane traveled. He described “a sorrow beyond measurement.”
