Washington DC plane crash: 67 feared dead after American Airlines jet collides with army helicopter

An American Airlines regional jet carrying 64 people collided mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday evening, according to federal officials, before both aircraft crashed down into the Potomac River.

All 67 people on board both the aircraft are feared dead, Kansas senator Roger Marshall told a briefing on Wednesday night.

The helicopter was flying with a crew of three and had no senior Army officials onboard, officials said.

The crash has stopped all flights in and out of Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport, with operations not expected to resume until at least 11am Thursday.

Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with separate aircraft appearing to conjoin in a fireball.

President Donald Trump said in a statement: "I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls.”

American Airlines said in a statement: “If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”