American Airlines CEO: ‘We Don’t Know Why’ Black Hawk Helicopter Entered Plane’s Path

January 30, 2025, Washington Dc, Virginia, USA: Rescue crews and law enforcement members waits for the victims from the crash between an American Airlines passenger jet with 64 people aboard and an Army Black Hawk helicopter into the Potomac River, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, VA on January 30, 2025.
Photo: Gent Shkullaku/ZUMA Press Wire/ZUMA Wire)

An American Airlines regional flight and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided in mid-air near Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 29, just before 9 p.m., causing both aircraft to crash into the Potomac River. Authorities have said they do not believe there were any survivors from the tragic incident.

The crash occurred as American Airlines Flight 5342, a CRJ 700 operated by PSA Airlines, was making its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The flight, which had 60 passengers and four crew members on board, was struck by the Black Hawk helicopter, which was carrying three U.S. Army soldiers. The collision resulted in a fiery impact, sending both aircraft plummeting into the river below.

On Thursday, Jan. 30, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom provided details about the crash during a morning press conference. He confirmed that the collision took place “on an otherwise normal approach” for the American Airlines flight, which was nearing the airport for its landing. Isom expressed confusion over why the military helicopter had entered the path of the regional plane.

“At this time, we don’t know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft Flight 5342,” Isom said. He added that it was too early to speculate on the cause of the crash but emphasized that the airline’s focus was on supporting the families of the victims and the airline’s staff involved.

According to NBC Washington, the American Airlines plane was reportedly split in two after landing in the frigid waters of the Potomac River. The Army Black Hawk helicopter was found upside down in the river, further complicating rescue efforts. Emergency responders faced significant challenges in accessing the wreckage due to the difficult conditions.

Seconds before the collision, an air traffic controller had attempted to communicate with the helicopter, identified as PAT 25, to warn it of the approaching regional flight. The controller first asked the Black Hawk if it had the CRJ aircraft “in sight.” Shortly thereafter, the controller instructed the Black Hawk to “pass behind the CRJ.” However, the helicopter did not respond to the warnings, and moments later, the two aircraft collided.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash, but the exact circumstances remain unclear. While the D.C. airspace is one of the busiest in the country, officials have stated that the flight paths taken by both the military helicopter and the American Airlines plane were not unusual for the area.

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At the press conference, Isom expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “We’re absolutely heartbroken for the family and loved ones of the passengers and crew members and also for those that were on the military aircraft,” he said. “This is devastating, and our focus right now is doing everything that we can to support all of those involved.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also spoke out about the crash, stating that mid-air collisions are rare and not a standard occurrence in the highly regulated airspace around Washington, D.C. “It is not standard to have aircraft collide,” he said. “But prior to the collision, the flight paths that were being flown from the military and from American, that was not unusual for what happens in the D.C. airspace.”

Isom further urged family members and loved ones of those on board the flight to reach out to a toll-free helpline set up by American Airlines. “We are committed to providing the necessary information and support for the families at this incredibly difficult time,” he said. The designated helpline number is 1-800-679-8215.

In the wake of the crash, both American Airlines and the U.S. Army have vowed to cooperate fully with investigators as they work to determine the cause of the collision. The incident has sparked widespread concern, and the airline has promised to provide more information as it becomes available.

This tragic crash marks a grim chapter in aviation history, with both military personnel and civilian passengers losing their lives in a devastating mid-air collision. As the investigation continues, authorities will focus on answering the many questions surrounding what led to the crash and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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