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Updates on the Air Collision at National Airport (DCA)
Washington,
February 12, 2025
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Transportation
The collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army helicopter at National Airport (DCA) on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 is an unbearable tragedy. My heart goes out to the families of all who lost their lives in this accident. If you believe you may have had loved ones on board Flight 5342, please call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. It is my team’s top priority to support the families affected by this tragedy and ensure they have the help they need. If you or a loved one need family assistance related to the collision, please give us a call at 703-658-5403. I also want to express my undying thanks to the first responders who immediately rushed to the scene and risked their lives in the deadly cold as part of the rescue operations. Their efforts were a light in a dark moment. Finally, we owe it to those we lost and their loved ones to find out why this happened, and to make sure it never happens again. That is where the federal response will be, and I will be very focused on that as we learn more about this accident. In days and weeks to come, I will share updates here on this page about my work as well as the efforts of federal, state, and local officials to respond to this collision.
Please see below for more information and updates:Latest Update: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 On-scene documentation of the recovered wreckage from the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) RJ Aviation (Bombardier) CRJ700 and the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk was completed today. Further examination and download of components will occur as needed at NTSB laboratories or manufacturer facilities. Airplane Structures and Helicopter Airworthiness groups completed their on-scene tasks and are preparing for potential follow-on investigative activities. The Helicopter Operations and Human Performance group is continuing their fact-gathering activities and completing interviews of Army aviation personnel. NTSB is continuing work in its laboratories on the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder of both aircraft.
Following Deadly DCA Collision, Virginia & Maryland Lawmakers Request Answers From FAA Tuesday, February 11, 2025 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), along with U.S. Reps. Don Beyer, Gerald Connolly, Suhas Subramanyam (all D-VA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today requested answers and commitments from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on its plans to protect the flying public in the wake of the January 29 collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines airplane. In the letter, the lawmakers applauded the precautionary safety measures put in place by the FAA, as well as the agency’s collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation into the causes and factors behind the collision.
Friday, January 31, 2025 U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Eugene Vindman (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) wrote to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Army Mark Averill urging an extended halt to Army helicopter training flights in the airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and a safety review on the future of military helicopter training in the area.
Mental Health Resources For DCA Disaster Friday, January 31, 2025 In the wake of the tragic air collision at DCA, the emotional and psychological toll on the families impacted, first responders, and our community at-large is profound. If you have been impacted by this event, it’s crucial to prioritize your mental well-being. The link above lists mental health support materials and resources provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), including resources focused on general behavioral health needs after a traumatic incident, as well as separate sections listing materials for children, youth, and caregivers, and first responders.
NTSB Media Briefing - PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 and Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter collision Thursday, January 30, 2025 Beyer Remarks At Press Conference On Air Crash At DCA Thursday, January 30, 2025 Thursday, January 30, 2025
Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Statement Wednesday, January 29, 2025 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 as Flight 5342 for American Airlines. It departed from Wichita, Kansas. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700. There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft. Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts. 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. |