An American Airlines regional jet carrying 64 people collided mid-air with an ArmyBlack Hawk helicopter on Wednesday evening, according to federal officials, stopping flights in and out of Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport.
The helicopter was flying with a crew of three and had no senior Army officials onboard, officials said.
Kansas senator Roger Marshall told a briefing that it appeared unlikely there would be any survivors from the midair crash.
He told reporters on Wednesday night that “we probably lost 60 Kansans tonight”.
Video from an observation camera at the nearby Kennedy Center shows two sets of lights consistent with separate aircraft appearing to conjoin in a fireball.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
President Donald Trump said in a statement: “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls.”
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom is heading to Washington, DC following the crash. “Members of our Go Team will be on their way to Washington DC and I’ll be heading there shortly as well,” Isom said in a video message.
American Airlines said in a statement: “If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”
