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- American Airlines subsidiary plane crashes near Washington DC (newsbreak.com)
Tragedy struck Wednesday night near Reagan National Airport when an American Airlines jet, operated by PSA Airlines, collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter. There were no survivors among the 64 people aboard both aircraft.
The jet, American Eagle Flight 5342, was on its final approach from Wichita, Kansas, when the collision occurred. The helicopter, carrying three crew members, was conducting a routine night training exercise.
President Trump confirmed the fatalities and called the event a devastating night for the nation. An investigation involving multiple federal agencies is underway.
The Army confirmed the helicopter crew was from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and were experienced, using night vision goggles at the time. Operations at the 12th Aviation Battalion have been temporarily suspended.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated both aircraft were following standard flight patterns and communication was maintained. The helicopter was aware of the plane’s presence. The wreckage of the plane was found in three sections in shallow water.
Among the passengers on the flight were members of the US Figure Skating team returning from a national competition, as well as Russian nationals.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. He confirmed the pilot and first officer’s experience levels.
Reagan National Airport temporarily closed after the crash but has since reopened. Airlines are waiving fees for travelers affected by the closure.
Aviation experts point to a concerning trend of near-misses in recent years, though this is the first major US commercial plane crash since 2009. The challenging flying conditions at Reagan National Airport, including short runways and proximity to water, are likely to be part of the investigation. This is the third major plane crash globally since December.
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