American Air slides 3% after fatal midair collision near Reagan National Airport

Investing.com-- A massive search operation is currently in progress following a midair collision between a passenger aircraft and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport, located outside of Washington, DC, an accident confirmed by defense and aviation officials.

The plane involved in the accident was American Airlines Flight 5342, which had 60 passengers and four crew members on board. The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, before the accident, the airline confirmed.

Shares in American Airlines Group (NASDAQ:AAL) opened 3.2% lower in pre-market trade on Thursday.

The helicopter, on the other hand, had three soldiers on board and was on a training flight at the time of the collision, according to officials.

The incident has engaged roughly 300 first responders who are now searching the icy waters of the Potomac River, where the aircraft crashed, according to the DC fire chief.

Fatalities have been confirmed in the accident, and no survivors have been pulled from the water yet, as per a law enforcement source.

The plane is in pieces in the water, with the helicopter nearby. Due to this tragic incident, the airport will remain closed until at least 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, as stated by airport officials.

In an unfortunate turn of events, several members of the figure skating community were on the passenger jet, as reported by US Figure Skating and Russian state media.