Crash Involving American Airlines Flight and Military Helicopter Kills 28

Crash Involving American Airlines Flight and Military Helicopter Kills 28

An American Airlines plane with 60 passengers and four crew members onboard collided with a military helicopter near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, plunging into the Potomac River. As of Thursday morning, 28 bodies have been recovered from the scene: 27 passengers from the jet and one from the helicopter.

Recovery Efforts and Identification of Victims

Emergency responders have shifted their focus from rescue to recovery operations, as it is unlikely that any survivors remain. DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly stated, “We don’t believe there are any survivors from this accident.” The District Office of the Medical Examiner is leading the effort to reunite victims with their families.

Investigating the Cause of the Collision

The Federal Aviation Administration and the Defense Department are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. The American Airlines flight was making its approach to Reagan National Airport, while the Black Hawk helicopter was on a training mission. The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a team to the scene.

Extensive Damage to American Airlines Plane

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the fuselage of the American Airlines plane was found in the Potomac River. It was “inverted” and located in three separate sections in waist-deep water. The recovery of the fuselage is underway.

Experience of Pilots and Helicopter Crew

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom stated that the pilot and co-pilot of the plane were “experienced pilots.” The captain had been with the airline for six years, while the co-pilot had two years of experience. Information about the experience level of the helicopter crew is still under investigation.

Concern over Air Safety

Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of airspace in the Washington, D.C. area. Transportation Secretary Duffy confirmed that military helicopters and commercial aircraft frequently operate in the same region, but he added, “It is not standard to have aircraft collide.” Duffy assured the public that the U.S. still maintains the safest airspace in the world.

Impact on Reagan National Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport reopened at 11 a.m. ET after hundreds of flights were canceled on Thursday. Jack Potter, CEO of Washington’s airport authority, announced that operations had resumed.

Figure Skaters Among Victims

U.S. figure skating officials confirmed that several American and Russian figure skaters were among the passengers on board the commercial jet. The athletes, coaches, and family members were returning from the National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas.

President Trump’s Comments

President Trump weighed in on the tragedy, arguing that the military helicopter should have been provided clearer guidance to avoid the plane. He stated that the helicopter was “going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.” Trump questioned why the control tower did not issue instructions to the helicopter and expressed concern that the situation “should have been prevented.”

Outpouring of Support

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed sympathy and support for the families and loved ones of the victims. He stated, “This is devastating. We are all hurting.” A hotline (800-679-8215) has been established for people who may have had friends or family on the flight.