Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation say they will do their best to ensure air safety after Wednesday night’s fatal crash involving an American Airlines regional jet out of Wichita and an Army Black Hawk helicopter on a training mission.
US Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran held a joint news conference Thursday. Marshall says this is not the time for a blame game, but this is the time for serious questions about how the incident unfolded.
Moran, a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, says a key component of the Congressional response will be reports from the National Transportation Safety Board, which will be several weeks from being published at best. He also says the Aviation Subcommittee will be hard at work as the investigation unfolds.
The American Airlines jet out of Wichita was banking on approach to Reagan National Airport when an Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on a training mission from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, crashed into it. Over 60 people were on the jet, including residents from Kansas and a contingent of the Skating Club of Boston returning from a national development camp in Wichita. Three people were on the helicopter, all with extensive flying experience. All are believed to have died.
Wednesday’s crash was America’s first major commercial airline crash since 2009, when a Colgan Air flight crashed as it landed at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. All 49 on board died in that crash.
KVOE will continue with updates from ABC News on air and online as the investigation continues.
Joint statement from Kansas Congressional delegation
“Our prayers are with the families and friends of those affected by the tragic plane crash that occurred in our nation’s capital. South Central Kansas is a close community, and it’s likely that many of us directly or indirectly know people who were on Flight 5342 on Jan. 29. This is a sad day for Kansans and our nation, and this community, steeped in aviation and manufacturing history, will feel the pain of this catastrophe for years to come. We are grateful for the first responders and rescue crews who worked through the night. Our focus now is supporting the family and friends of those who perished, including the crew and military personnel, and then getting answers for the grieving individuals who have lost a loved one and making sure this doesn’t happen again.”
9:30 am Thursday: No survivors expected after passenger jet from Wichita crashes with helicopter near Reagan National Airport
No survivors are expected after a regional passenger jet collided with a military helicopter near Washington DC’s Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.
The American Airlines jet took off from Wichita with 64 people on board and was on approach at Reagan when the accident happened around 8 pm Central time. The helicopter was an Army UH-60 Blackhawk with three people on board. It was on a training flight out of Davison Army Airfield, located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and was attached to Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion. Both aircraft landed in the Potomac River.
US Figure Skating says there were skaters and coaches on the jet. They were returning to Washington after the US Figure Skating Championships and a National Development Camp in Wichita when the accident happened. Russian media also says at least two of the country’s skaters were also on board the jet.
Conditions were clear when the crash happened. They were cold and windy as the rescue effort developed Wednesday night. Water temperatures have been just above freezing.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says she is “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives last night and extend my deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones.” US Senator Roger Marshall says he is praying “that God wraps his arms around each and every victim, and that he continues to be with their families.”
Further details are currently pending. KVOE and ABC News will have updates.
Statement from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives last night and extend my deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones. I have been in constant communication with federal, state, and local officials overnight and want to thank the over 300 first responders from across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area for their response efforts. I will issue a flag order today to acknowledge this devastating event and tragic loss of lives.”
Statement from Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson
“This morning, our hearts are filled with great sorrow as we try to fathom the unfathomable. Last night, in the skies above our nation’s capital, a military helicopter collided with an American Eagle Flight 5342 flying inbound from Wichita to Reagan National Airport. As our leaders seek answers, the Kansas Senate stands united in constant prayer for the passengers and crews, their families and loved ones, and every soul who is impacted by this awful tragedy. Together, we mourn for those who lost their lives and pray for God’s comfort for all.”
Statement from US Senator Roger Marshall
“Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. A plane, traveling to the Nation’s capital from Wichita, KS carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter. My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim, and that he continues to be with their families.
“There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident. I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded.”
