More information is beginning to come to light regarding the collision between a U.S. military helicopter and a commercial airliner over Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.
American Eagle Flight 5342, en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA), was involved in a tragic accident near its destination.
The flight was operated by PSA Airlines using a CRJ-700 aircraft, a Bombardier jet designed to carry between 63 and 78 passengers. There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the aircraft.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom issued a video statement at 11:00 PM, confirming that the aircraft involved in the crash was operated by PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines. He reiterated that Flight 5342 was on approach to Washington Reagan National Airport when it collided with a military aircraft.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Flight 5342 collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. local time. PSA was operating the flight under American Airlines branding, and it had departed earlier that evening from Wichita, Kansas.
NBC News reported that more than a dozen bodies have been recovered, according to two sources.
While official confirmation remains pending, Reuters is reporting that the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter belonged to the U.S. Army.
Audio from LiveATC.net captured the final communications between the three crew members of the helicopter—call sign PAT25—before the collision with the CRJ-700.
“PAT25, do you have a CRJ in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ,” an air traffic controller instructed at 8:47 p.m. ET (01:47 GMT Thursday).
Shortly after, another aircraft questioned, “Tower, did you see that?” seemingly referencing the collision.
Another air traffic controller was then heard saying, “Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river.”
“It was probably out in the middle of the river,” the controller added. “I just saw a fireball, and then it was just gone. I haven’t seen anything since they hit the river. But it was a CRJ and a helicopter that hit.”
The crash was captured on a webcam at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The footage reportedly shows the jet and helicopter colliding, erupting into flames, and then plunging into the water.
According to Heather Chairez, a spokesperson for the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter was conducting a training flight.
Three soldiers were believed to be aboard the helicopter, which is believed to be based out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
In response to the tragedy, American Airlines issued a statement: “Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
For those who believe they may have had loved ones on board Flight 5342, American Airlines has set up a hotline. The toll-free number is 800-679-8215.
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