WASHINGTON (7News) — At least 27 bodies have been recovered Thursday morning after a passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter collided midair Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport (DCA), causing both aircrafts to crash into the Potomac River and forcing a ground stop at the airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other officials provided an update during a press conference at 7:30 a.m.

"I speak for all of us when I say it's certainly very sad for American Airlines, for the United States Department of Defense and for all Americans, for the loss of life that happened with the collision of these aircrafts. We know that includes families from across our region, as well as in Kansas and across the country, Bowser said."

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What We Know About The Crash:

The American Airlines passenger jet coming from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, federal officials said. Three Army personnel were onboard the military helicopter, according to the U.S. Army.

The crash happened just before 9 p.m., according to D.C. police and fire officials, when the regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to the runway.

Thursday morning, D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said the American Airlines flight was descending in a standard flight pattern as it was coming into DCA.

“At 8:53 p.m., multiple calls were received for an aircraft crash above the Potomac River,” D.C. officials said Wednesday. “D.C. Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, and multiple partner agencies are currently coordinating a search and rescue operation in the Potomac River.”

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said the plane was found upside down.

VIDEO | Deadly plane collision captured on video with Black Hawk Helicopter near Reagan Airport

According to CNN, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region Media Chief Heather Chairez confirmed the 12 Aviation Battalion crew, based out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was on a training flight.

Passengers And Fatalities:

Officials said at least 27 bodies were pulled from the river, but no survivors were rescued as of early Thursday morning.

Although the identities of all passengers on board have not yet been released, the U.S. Figure Skating team confirmed that figure skating athletes and their coaches were among the passengers.

The team confirmed that the athletes were flying back home from the National Development Camp held in Wichita, Kansas.

"We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families close to our hearts," the U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement. "We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available."

RELATED | US figure skaters among victims in tragic midair crash near DC's Reagan Airport

Video from a camera on the Kennedy Center building shows what appeared to be the explosion as the American Airlines aircraft descended toward the DCA runway.

Recovery Efforts And Emergency Response:

Donnelly said crews have located the plane in three different sections in "waist-deep water."

During their rescue efforts, first responders found extremely frigid conditions, heavy wind and ice on the water. SkyTrak7 was over the scene at 4:30 a.m. Thursday as rescue crews worked through the wreckage. Officials confirmed multiple fatalities.

7News crews report seeing rescue crews make their way in and out of the loading dock.

"[Wednesday], as our first responders continue their efforts, we are sending our love and prayers to the families, loved ones, and communities who are experiencing loss during this terrible tragedy," Bowser posted on X.

Photos captured of the wreckage site pieces of the plane's wing among scattered debris as emergency crews look toward the water.

Officials said at least 300 emergency responders from across the region, including local, multi-state, and federal agencies joined in the search and rescue efforts.

Airport And Closures:

Officials said flights at Reagan Airport are expected to remain grounded until 11 a.m. Thursday.

As of 4:26 a.m., officials closed the following roads to support the recovery response efforts at the Potomac River:

• Potomac Avenue from South Capitol Street to 2nd Street
• SW 2nd Street from Q Street to V Street
• SW First Street from Q Street to V Street
• SW Half Street from Q Street to V Street
• SW V Street from 2nd Street to Half Street, SW

Investigation:

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash.

During the 7:30 a.m. press briefing, officials said NTSB will begin to analyze the American Airlines aircraft, and partner with the FAA, "to get the best results possible for the American people."

"I know that President [Donald] Trump his administration, the FAA, the DOD, we will not rest until we have answers for the families and for the flying public. You should be assured that when you fly, you're safe," said Duffy.

Officials said there was communication between the helicopter and the tower and the airline and the tower before the collision and that the plane was aware of the helicopter.

Duffy did not want to answer questions if there were blind spots with air traffic control.

"I think whether it was air traffic control, whether it was military aircraft, helicopters or the American [Airlines] flight, everything was standard in the lead up to the crash, Duffy added. "Now, obviously there was something happened here. You'll get more information and more details as this investigation moves forward, we'll learn what happened."

Duffy added, "Something went wrong here. I look forward to the time and point when we can give you that information, but I don't want to comment on that right now."

Authorities said NTSB and American Airlines will lead in contacting the families of the victims.

American Airlines shared phone numbers for families of victims of the crash: 800-679-8215 or on their website.

This is a developing story. Stay with 7News for updates.