The crash near Reagan National Airport has renewed questions about the airport's flight load, considering its small size, among other issues.

Airport preferred by Washington lawmakers and lobbyists lies in some of the most congested airspace in the country.

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A small aircraft crashed in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport late Wednesday, and fire boats were on the scene, the Washington fire department said.

There is at least one casualty after a helicopter crash at a major airport tonight. All runways have been shutdown and all departures and landings have been halted at the DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Officials confirmed Thursday morning that a rescue operation has turned into recovery as they search for victims of a collision of an airplane and helicopter over the Potomac River just hours earlier.

An airplane collided with a helicopter while trying to land at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, officials said.

Families gathered at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday were met with devastating news as their loved ones' plane collided mid-air with a military helicopter.

WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Multiple Texas representatives have released statements Wednesday night after a plane collided with a military helicopter, causing it to crash near the Ronald Reagan Washington National airport. Ronald Reagan Washington National airport has closed all runways, and stopped air traffic in the area.

Officials said a search and rescue operation is underway, adding there is no information on any casualties at this time.

Law enforcement and other officials say an aircraft went down near Ronald Reagan National Airport, and all takeoffs and landings have been halted.

A small aircraft crashed in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport late Wednesday, and fire boats were on the scene, the Washington fire department said.