American Airlines Aircraft Crashes into an Army Blackhawk
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American Airlines Plane crashed into a U.S. Army Blackhawk earlier this evening around 9:00 p.m. in Washington, DC.
Article by Avery Junker, Junior White House Correspondent
WASHINGTON - Around 9:00 pm earlier this evening, an American Airlines passenger plane crashed into a Sikorsky H-60, also known as a Blackhawk helicopter. As of now, officials are reporting sixty passengers and four crew members aboard the American Airlines flight and three members of the military aboard the U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter. No senior U.S. government officials were in the crash. How many casualties there may be between both crafts is still unknown.
According to officials, American Airlines flight 5342 was headed from Wichita, Kansas to the Reagan National Airport before the crash occurred. Fireboats and emergency personnel are currently working hard to deduce if there are any survivors in the water and provide assistance. An official statement provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, otherwise known as the FAA, contains all known information at this time.
“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. PSA was operating Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation. We will provide updates as information comes in.”
As of now, all flights landing at or taking off from the Reagan National Airport are grounded, and first responders available are on standby in case assistance is needed. It is still unclear why this crash occurred, but as time goes on more and more information is being revealed.
Secretary Sean Duffy, who was just sworn in hours ago, is currently at FAA headquarters and is monitoring the situation, along with President Trump who just released a statement saying, “I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls. Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R) from Kansas released a statement tonight as well. “Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. A plane, traveling to the Nation's capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families. There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident. I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded.”
Cold temperatures in DC for the past few months, coupled with the time of the day make this rescue mission a difficult situation. The closest buoy to the crash site is reading at 35 degrees Fahrenheit for the water temperature. The air temperature is currently hovering around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is a developing breaking news story. Additional updates will be posted as more information is released. Until then officials across the country are offering their condolences, prayers, and hope for the families and individuals involved in the tragedy earlier this evening.
American Airlines has asked, “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.”