January 29, 2025 – Aviation Collision

At approximately 9:00 p.m. on January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 had a midair collision with an Army Blackhawk helicopter while on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Sixty-four passengers were onboard flight 5432 and three service members were onboard the helicopter. Local, regional, and federal partners are conducting the recovery operation.

Please see below the District of Columbia’s public briefings regarding this operation:

February 6, 2025 press release

February 5, 2025 press release

February 4, 2025 press release

February 3, 2025 press conference

February 2, 2025 press conference

February 2, 2025 press conference slide deck:
Incident Command Afternoon Situational Update [PDF]

February 1, 2025 press release:
Unified Command Provides Situational Update on Recovery Efforts [PDF] Release

January 31, 2025 press conference

January 31, 2025 press conference slide deck:
Incident Command Afternoon Situational Update [PDF]

January 30, 2025 press conference

January 30, 2025 press conference

If you believe you have a family member or loved one onboard American Airlines 5342, please contact American Airlines at 1-800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers.