FIRST RESPONDERS IN WASHINGTON DC INVESTIGATE AVIATION CRASH INVOLVING BLACKHAWK HELICOPTER AND AMERICAN AIRLINES PLANE
On Wednesday night, authorities reported a midair collision involving an American Airlines flight and a Sikorsky H-60 Blackhawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington DC. This unfortunate incident occurred over the Potomac River, leading to grounding of all planes at the Ronald Reagan National Airport.
The American Airlines flight 5342, originating from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers as it approached its destination. Video footage appeared to show the plane being struck by an object, later revealed to be the Blackhawk helicopter carrying three soldiers.
Responding to the incident, the FAA released a statement, "A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. The FAA and NTSB will investigate, with NTSB taking the lead."
Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security, in a statement last night, ensured that every available US Coast Guard resource is being utilized for search and rescue efforts. She also expressed condolences for the victims and appreciation for the first responders' efforts.
President Donald Trump expressed his sorrow over the incident, offering his prayers for the victims and thanking the first responders for their efforts. He stated he will be closely monitoring the situation and providing updates as needed.
At a press conference Thursday morning, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said all agencies are working in unison to investigate the incident. According to Dudley, weather did not seem to be a factor in the crash, as conditions were reportedly clear.
He also mentioned both aircraft were following normal flight paths. Duffy confirmed both aircraft have been located across three different locations.
DC Fire and EMS Chief, John Donnelly Sr, reported that 300 first responders had been working throughout the night in freezing temperatures and icy conditions on the water.
He confirmed that so far, 30 bodies had been recovered, correcting earlier reports from various other news outlets claiming 4 survivors had been recovered from the waters last night. No survivors are expected to be recovered from this crash.
The American Airlines flight 5342, originating from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers as it approached its destination. Video footage appeared to show the plane being struck by an object, later revealed to be the Blackhawk helicopter carrying three soldiers.
Responding to the incident, the FAA released a statement, "A PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. The FAA and NTSB will investigate, with NTSB taking the lead."
Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security, in a statement last night, ensured that every available US Coast Guard resource is being utilized for search and rescue efforts. She also expressed condolences for the victims and appreciation for the first responders' efforts.
President Donald Trump expressed his sorrow over the incident, offering his prayers for the victims and thanking the first responders for their efforts. He stated he will be closely monitoring the situation and providing updates as needed.
At a press conference Thursday morning, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said all agencies are working in unison to investigate the incident. According to Dudley, weather did not seem to be a factor in the crash, as conditions were reportedly clear.
He also mentioned both aircraft were following normal flight paths. Duffy confirmed both aircraft have been located across three different locations.
DC Fire and EMS Chief, John Donnelly Sr, reported that 300 first responders had been working throughout the night in freezing temperatures and icy conditions on the water.
He confirmed that so far, 30 bodies had been recovered, correcting earlier reports from various other news outlets claiming 4 survivors had been recovered from the waters last night. No survivors are expected to be recovered from this crash.
