This story was updated on Friday, January 31 at 8:10 a.m. EST

The CEO of American Airlines, Robert Isom, is seeking answers about the tragic mid-air crash of a military helicopter and one of its regional planes while it was landing at Ronald Reagan airport near Washington, D.C.

On Wednesday (Jan. 29), just before 9 p.m., a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers collided with a PSA Airlines-operated American Airlines plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, resulting in a deadly crash that sent both plummeting into the Potomac River.

AA Flight 5342 was traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington Reagan airport when the collision occurred on final approach.

READ MORE: American Airlines jet collides with helicopter in Washington DC, 67 feared dead

“I’d like to express our deep sorrow about these events. 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 said in a video statement posted yesterday. 

Isom said the airline is working with all authorities on emergency response efforts, and the American Airlines care team will assist passengers and their families.

“We’re cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation, and we’ll continue to provide all the information we can. Our cooperation is without pause, and we want to learn everything we can about today’s events,” he said.

A help line has been established for anyone who is concerned for the welfare of their loved ones – or if they have reason to believe they had friends or family on American Eagle Flight 5342. The number is 1-800-679-8215.

“We understand and appreciate that people are eager for information. Please know that we’ll continue to share accurate and timely information as soon as we can, but anything we must report must be accurate,” Isom said.

Staffing “not normal” during crash

At a press conference yesterday, Isom said he didn’t know why the military helicopter came into the path of the PSA aircraft. He said the regional jet was on a standard flight path.

According to an FAA report that was reviewed by The New York Times, air traffic control staffing at Ronald Reagan airport was “not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic” on Wednesday. 

The air traffic controller who was monitoring helicopters near the airport that night was also monitoring planes taking off and landing, the FAA says. These jobs are usually assigned to two different people, the outlet reported.

Figure skaters on board 

The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter was reportedly carrying three soldiers on a training mission.

As well, U.S. Figure Skating said in a statement that its athletes, as well as their family members and coaches, were on board the plane.

“These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas,” the organization said in a statement to CNN.

“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available.”

Two people on board the flight have been named as 1994 World Figure Skating Championship pairs winners Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova.

Other victims that have been identified include Howard University Professor Kiah Duggins. The civil rights lawyer was set to begin teaching at the university’s School of Law this fall. 

Two DC lawyers were also on board the flight, reports confirmed. 

Authorities had recovered at least 40 bodies from the Potomac River as of 5:30 p.m. EST yesterday, CBS News reports.

The plane’s black boxes have also been recovered, the NTSB confirmed

Trump blames diversity hiring efforts

According to U.S. President Donald Trump, there were no survivors from the crash.

At a media briefing yesterday, the President took questions, lashing out at former U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration and diversity hiring efforts at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Without citing evidence, Trump blamed air traffic controllers, helicopter pilots and Democratic policies at federal agencies.

He claimed that FAA was “actively recruiting workers who suffer severe intellectual disabilities, psychiatric problems and other mental and physical conditions under a diversity and inclusion hiring initiative.”

Condolences pour in

Aviation and travel communities, meanwhile, are expressing an outpouring of grief and support for everyone involved.

“Our hearts go out to the victims of this tragic accident and their families − we’re in touch with our colleagues at @AmericanAir and will continue to offer any assistance and support they may need,” wrote United Airlines on its X account yesterday.

WestJet also posted a statement online, saying it was “devastated” by the event.

“Our thoughts are with those involved and we want to express our sincere condolences to all passengers, crew members and their loved ones,” the Calgary-based airline wrote on its social channels. “We also want to extend our gratitude to the first responders working around the clock to assist with recovery efforts.”

The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) also commented, saying its “thoughts and prayers are with those who tragically lost their lives in last night’s accident near Washington.”

“We are also thinking of their families, loved ones, and the brave first responders who rushed to help,” ACTA wrote on its Facebook page. “In moments like these, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the strength of community.” 

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