American Airlines Regional Jet Involved in Mid-Air Collision with Black Hawk Helicopter Over Reagan Washington National Airport

An American Airlines regional passenger jet was involved in a mid-air collision on Wednesday night with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, officials said.

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas took to social media to report that "we know there are fatalities," although he did not specify the exact number of deaths.

The US Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that a PSA Airlines regional jet collided mid-air with a Black Hawk helicopter on approach to Reagan airport. A US Army official also confirmed that one of its helicopters was involved in the crash.

PSA was operating Flight 5342 for American Airlines, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, according to the FAA. The aircraft, capable of carrying up to 65 passengers, was en route to Washington Reagan National Airport when it crossed paths with the Black Hawk helicopter.

Police responded to an incident reported by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), saying multiple agencies were involved in a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River, which borders the airport.

The airport promptly halted all takeoffs and landings as emergency personnel mobilized to respond to the aircraft incident. The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated its investigation into the matter.

This latest accident raises concerns over air travel safety, particularly after a fatal US passenger airplane crash in February 2009. However, a series of near-miss incidents in recent years has ignited discussions about stringent safety measures.

American Airlines expressed its awareness of the incident via social media and pledged to provide further updates as more information becomes available from the company.

The aviation industry will be closely monitoring the situation to determine cause and possible implications for air travel.