Officials are scrambling to figure out why a mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter took place over Washington DC.
Speaking at a press conference, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said there are three key factors under consideration.
He told reporters: “Last night, if you live in the DC area you will know this was a clear night.
”The helicopter was in a standard pattern. If you live in the DC area, you will see helicopters up and down the river and you will see this flight pattern often.
“The American Airlines coming into land was in a standard flight pattern. This was not unusual with the military craft flying along the river and the flight arriving at DCA.
“If you live in the area, you will see that frequently with those two aircraft together.
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“As many of you have reported, we have located the two aircrafts. The fuselage of the American Airline plane was inverted and it has been located in three different sections.
“Safety is our expectation. Everyone who flies in American skies expects that we fly safely, that when we depart and airport, you will get to your destination.
“That didn’t happen last night. The Trump Administration, the FAA and DOT, we will not rest until we have answers for the families and the fine public.”
It comes after the passenger plane carrying 60 people collided with a military helicopter near Washington DC’s Ronald Reagan Airport.
The American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-700 regional aircraft from Wichita, crashed after hitting an Army Sikorsky H-60 Blackhawk helicopter whilst approaching the runway.
The collision occurred over the Potomac River, with video footage from the Kennedy Center showing two aircraft lights merging in a fireball.
Multiple agencies are currently conducting search and rescue operations in the Potomac River, according to Washington DC police.
All flights at Reagan National Airport were halted following the incident.
The incident has prompted a major emergency response, with rescue crews working at the crash site.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote on X: "I've seen the reports of a collision with a D.C. helicopter and an inbound flight from Wichita, KS. We are in contact with authorities working to get answers."
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Speaking at a press conference, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said there are three key factors under consideration.
He told reporters: “Last night, if you live in the DC area you will know this was a clear night.
”The helicopter was in a standard pattern. If you live in the DC area, you will see helicopters up and down the river and you will see this flight pattern often.
“The American Airlines coming into land was in a standard flight pattern. This was not unusual with the military craft flying along the river and the flight arriving at DCA.
“If you live in the area, you will see that frequently with those two aircraft together.
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“As many of you have reported, we have located the two aircrafts. The fuselage of the American Airline plane was inverted and it has been located in three different sections.
“Safety is our expectation. Everyone who flies in American skies expects that we fly safely, that when we depart and airport, you will get to your destination.
“That didn’t happen last night. The Trump Administration, the FAA and DOT, we will not rest until we have answers for the families and the fine public.”
It comes after the passenger plane carrying 60 people collided with a military helicopter near Washington DC’s Ronald Reagan Airport.
The American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ-700 regional aircraft from Wichita, crashed after hitting an Army Sikorsky H-60 Blackhawk helicopter whilst approaching the runway.
The collision occurred over the Potomac River, with video footage from the Kennedy Center showing two aircraft lights merging in a fireball.
Multiple agencies are currently conducting search and rescue operations in the Potomac River, according to Washington DC police.
All flights at Reagan National Airport were halted following the incident.
WATCH: Harrowing moment of collision over Washington DC's Ronald Reagan Airport
The incident has prompted a major emergency response, with rescue crews working at the crash site.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote on X: "I've seen the reports of a collision with a D.C. helicopter and an inbound flight from Wichita, KS. We are in contact with authorities working to get answers."
Find Out More...