American Airlines CEO Robert Isom Offers Apology Over Fatal Mid-Air Collision Near Washington, D.C. Airport
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has apologised for the fatal crash involving Flight 5342 and a military helicopter near Reagan International Airport in Washington DC on Wednesday night.
This followed catastrophic midair collision between an American Airlines aircraft carrying 64 people and a military helicopter which resulted in a devastating crash into the Potomac River.
The crash claimed at least 18 lives, with no survivors found so far, as emergency responders continued search efforts through the night.
“First and most importantly, I’d like to express our deep sorrow about these events,” Isom said in a video posted on social media.
“This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines, and our efforts now are entirely focused on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones.”
Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 carrying 60 passengers and four crew members from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk just before 9pm.
The aircraft split in two and submerged in approximately seven feet of water, while the helicopter was found upside down and unstable.
Emergency crews continued search and rescue efforts in the Potomac River, where water temperatures of 37 degrees Fahrenheit posed a high risk of hypothermia.
Authorities confirmed multiple fatalities as divers and helicopters scoured the area with spotlights.
Flightradar data showed the American Airlines plane descending toward Runway 33 at around 300 feet altitude before the crash.
According to Mail Online, air traffic control recordings captured a controller asking, “PAT25, do you have the CRJ in sight?” followed by another pilot exclaiming, “Tower, did you see that?”
“We are cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation and will continue to provide all the information we can,” Isom stated.
“Our cooperation is without pause and we want to learn everything we can about today’s events.”
DC police, fire, and emergency medical teams responded swiftly, while Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Maryland Governor Wes Moore deployed additional resources, including divers and emergency personnel.
The FBI and US Coast Guard also pledged assistance in the ongoing operation.
Hamaad Ramza, whose wife was on the flight, told WUSA, “I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now as we speak. I’m just praying to God.”
American Airlines has set up a helpline at 1 (800) 679-8215 for concerned relatives.
“Please know that we’ll share accurate and timely information as soon as we can, but anything we report must be accurate,” Isom said.
