American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita to Washington, D.C. collided in midair with an army Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night. The plane held 60 passengers and four crew members while the helicopter carried three soldiers.
In a response to the crash, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said he and the airline were devastated to hear the news.
“I arrived in D.C. earlier today and have been in constant contact with our team, government officials and first responders and want to thank everyone who’s given their time and compassion to supporting these efforts,” Isom said. “Right now, the entire strength of the airline is focused on taking care of the families and loved ones for those who were on this flight.”
In a press conference addressing the collision, President Donald Trump said the government is “leveraging every asset” at its disposal.
“So quick, so fast, it was mobilized immediately,” Trump said. “The work has now shifted to a recovery mission. Sadly, there are no survivors.”
Gov. Laura Kelly issued a statement Thursday after the collision.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives last night and extend my deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones,” Kelly said. “I have been in constant communication with federal, state and local officials overnight and want to thank the over 300 first responders from across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for their response efforts. I will issue a flag order today to acknowledge this devastating event and tragic loss of lives.”
Around 1 a.m. Thursday morning, Kansas Senator Roger Marshall posted on X that he was on the scene at Reagan National Airport speaking with officials and was waiting for more answers.
“We will continue to work through the night to get answers alongside federal, state and local officials,” Marshall said. “Pray for Kansas. Pray for the passengers, pilots, the first responders, rescue crews and their families.”
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, who runs the Senate’s aviation safety subcommittee, said the plane crash is “personal” and he has flown the flight from Wichita to D.C. many times himself.
“Wichita is located in the heart of our nation, and today we are grieving,” Moran said in his statement on X. “I received confirmation this morning that no one survived the crash of American Airlines flight 5342. This is a sad day for Kansans and our nation. My heart breaks for the lives that were lost and their loved ones who are now learning that their friend or family or friends were on the flight.”
People concerned their loved ones may have been on the flight can call an American Airlines hotline at 1-800-679-8215 for information.
