The CEO of American Airlines on Thursday said it is not clear why a U.S. Army helicopter came into the path of a PSA regional jet before the two aircraft collided near Washington, an incident that officials say likely left no survivors.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, speaking at a Thursday news conference, provided condolences for the more than 60 people who likely died in the incident and said the company is focusing on supporting everyone who was affected.
“We are absolutely heartbroken for the family and loved ones of the passengers and crew members and also for those who were on the military aircraft,” he said.
Later in the news conference, Isom appeared to question why the helicopter was so close to the jet.
“They collided with a military aircraft on an otherwise normal approach. At this time, we don’t know why the military aircraft came into the path of the PSA aircraft,” he said.
The helicopter was flown by a “fairly experienced crew” that was wearing night-vision goggles on an annual proficiency training flight, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a video statement.
On Thursday morning, officials said that they believe that everyone on board the plane and the military helicopter died in the incident, which sent both aircraft into the Potomac River on Wednesday night. The search-and-rescue operation is now turning into a recovery operation, he said.
“At this point, we do not believe there were any survivors,” John Donnelly, the District of Columbia fire chief, said at the press conference, adding that 28 bodies had been recovered.
American Airlines confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the jet, while U.S. officials said the helicopter was carrying three soldiers on a training flight. Passengers on the flight included ice skaters, their families, and coaches returning from events in Wichita, Kansas, including Russian-born former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, the mayor of Wichita said on Thursday.
The midair collision occurred as the passenger jet was approaching to land at Reagan. Radio communications between the air traffic control tower and the Black Hawk helicopter showed the helicopter crew knew the plane was in the vicinity.
“Everything was standard in the lead-up to the crash,” Duffy said. “Do I think this was preventable? Absolutely.”
Isom said the plane was being flown by a pilot with about six years of experience. The company was cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates accidents, he added.
“This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones,” Isom stated. “We are actively working with local, state, and federal authorities on emergency response efforts, and the American Airlines care team has been activated to assist our passengers and their families.”
