While landing at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC on Wednesday shortly before 9 p.m., American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the icy Potomac River.

Aviation experts have warned for years about near collisions at airports around the US, citing air traffic control shortages and airspace congestion.

American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into a military helicopter and plunged into the Potomac River in Washington DC on Wednesday night

A regional jet flown for American Airlines Group Inc. collided in a deadly midair crash with a military helicopter as it flew into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, prompting a search and rescue operation for any survivors in the Potomac River.

First responders have recovered the bodies of 27 passengers from the American Airlines jet that collided with the helicopter.

The US Federal Aviation Administration said a PSA Airlines regional jet collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to Reagan.American Airlines, helicopter, plane crash US, Washington airport,

Following a crash involving one of its aircraft and a military helicopter, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed sorrow. The incident prompted a rescue operation along the Potomac River and led to the suspension of all flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport.