According to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, both the helicopter and the American Eagle flight were in a "standard flight pattern" as the latter was on final approach to DCA. The collision and crash reportedly led to the CRJ700 separating into three pieces and inverted underwater.

People who think their loved one was aboard the American Airlines flight involved in the aircraft crash in Washington, D.C., Wednesday night are being asked to call a hotline number provided by airline officials.