UPDATED with press conference details:At a press conference shortly after 9 a.m.
It collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Blackhawk, carrying three people, over thePotomacRiver.
At this point we dont believe there are any survivors from this accident.
Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington AirportAndrew Harnik/Getty Images
He said they have recovered 27 people from the plane and one from the helicopter.
Search and rescue teams worked through the night in the area of the wreckage.
American Airlinessaidin a statement: There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.
It identified the flight as American Eagle flight 5342 operated by PSA.
According to the companys web site, PSA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American.
At a 1 a.m. We mourn with the families whove lost loved ones, he said.
There have been no ambulances leaving here.
PSA was operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines.
It departed from Wichita, Kansas.
The FAA and NTSB will investigate.
The NTSB will lead the investigation.
This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented.
Flights into and out of the airport were quickly halted.
First reports of the crash came in about 8:53 p.m.
Some initial reports identified the helicopter as a DCPD aircraft.
Police officials debunked that contention.
Ted Johnson contributed to this report.
May God Bless their souls, he said.
Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders.
I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.
