The crew operating the Army Black Hawkhelicopter that collided with an American Airlines regional jet in Washington, D.C. was “fairly experienced,” according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The deadly crash occurred around 9 p.m. Wednesday when the military helicopter was conducting “a required annual night evaluation,” Hegseth said. Three people were on board the helicopter and 64 people were on board the American Airlines plane.
At least 28 bodies have been found as of Thursday morning.
All 67 people on board both aircraft that crashed down into the Potomac River are feared dead, Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said at a briefing.
All flights in and out of Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport were paused until 11 a.m. Thursday. Video footage from the nearby Kennedy Center appears to show the aircraft conjoining in a fireball.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport,” President Donald Trump said. “May God Bless their souls.”
American Airlines said in a statement: “If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines 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.”
