WASHINGTON — Rescuers are in the Potomac River trying to find survivors after a 60-passenger American Airlines jet crashed midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter Wednesday night.
27 people have been recovered from the plane, and one person has been recovered from the helicopter, according Chief of D.C. Fire and EMS John Donnelly.
On Thursday morning, officials with U.S. Figure Skating organization issued a statement that “several members of our skating community” were among the passengers onboard 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,” U.S. Figure Skating said.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that two Russian figure skaters and former world champions, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were on the flight. He also said there were other Russian citizens on the flight.
“We are sorry and send condolences to the families and friends who lost those of our fellow citizens who died in the plane crash,” Peskov said.
American Airlines flight 5342 crashed into the helicopter around 9 p.m. as the jet was landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
> If you believe your loved ones or someone you know was onboard flight AA 5342 from Wichita, KS please call American Airlines at 1-800-679-8215.
During a press conference officials announced they are still in rescue operation. At this time, Reagan National airport will be closed until 11 a.m. Thursday. All flights will continue to be diverted to Dulles Airport until then.
There are 300 crew members on the ground working to rescue victims from the water. Officials have tapped state officials from other jurisdictions to aid in the search for victims.
DC Fire Chief is saying rescue is difficult at this time because of weather and the conditions of the water.
American Airlines flight manifest says, there were 60 passengers and four crew members were onboard during the time of the crash. An Army officials says the helicopter was carrying three soldiers.
“All takeoffs and landings have been halted at DCA,” Reagan Airport said at around 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday. “Emergency personnel are responding to an aircraft incident on the airfield. The terminal remains open. Will update.”
The U.S. Army confirmed at 11 p.m. that the helicopter involved in the crash was one of their aircrafts based out of Fort Belvoir.
Senator Jerry Moran from Kansas posted a Tweet about the crash.
Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA.I am in contact with authorities.Please join me in praying for all involved.
— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) January 30, 2025
During a press conference, Senator Moran who also serves as as the Chairman of the subcommittee of Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation said “I know that flight, I’ve flown it many times myself. I lobbied to have American Airlines add a direct flight from Wichita. This flight has only been in operation for a year.”
In 2024, DCA experienced two near misses, just months apart. During this time lawmakers were lobbying to add more flights coming in-and-out of the airport. Despite local leaders arguing that the airport could not handle any more flights.
Ultimately, the bill was passed and the flights were added. However, this flight from Kansas that Senator Moran lobbied for was not one of the flights included in the new flight plans for DCA.
WUSA9 Chief Meteorologist Topper Schutt said the rescue efforts are impacted by 42-degree water in the river. At temperatures like that, a person would only have between 30-40 minutes in the water.
According to Flight Radar’s X account, formerly Twitter, the helicopter was not broadcasting ADS-B data. This data includes information regarding the helicopter’s location, altitude, and other important details.
The last update the helicopter gave was at 8:48 p.m. EST. According to AP News, the helicopter was conducting a training flight.