It is a tragic day — one no traveler, airline worker or aviation reporter ever wants to imagine.
I’m sure, by now, you’ve seen the many headlines about the crash late last night near our nation’s capital.
Here’s what we know so far:
An American Airlines CRJ700 regional jet inbound to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) from Wichita, Kansas, was involved in a midair collision with a U.S. Army helicopter shortly before it was scheduled to land.
There were 64 people (60 passengers and four crew members) on board the jet, American Eagle Flight 5342 operated by PSA Airlines. There were three soldiers on board the military helicopter.
Emergency responders searched the Potomac River all night, but in an update Thursday morning, Washington’s fire chief confirmed the fears so many of us had after seeing video of the collision: All passengers and crew members are feared dead.
Accidents like Wednesday’s are incredibly rare. It had been nearly 16 years since the most recent crash involving a major commercial airline in the U.S.
And so far, it’s not clear how this collision happened. Now, the National Transportation Safety Board will lead an exhaustive investigation to try to sort that out.
American Airlines set up a toll-free number for those who fear their family member or friend may have been on board: 800-679-8215.
Meanwhile, though DCA is set to reopen at 11 a.m. EST Thursday, several carriers have issued travel waivers allowing passengers flying to or from the airport to make itinerary changes.
The thoughts of the entire TPG team are with everyone involved in AA 5342.
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