American Airlines CEO Robert Isom issued a statement late Wednesday after an American Eagle flight appeared to have collided with a military helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.
Isom confirmed Flight 5342, a CRJ-700 operated by PSA Airlines, was traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington Reagan National Airport when the crash occurred on final approach.
"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.
Isom said the American Eagle flight had four crew members on board and 60 passengers. He said he understood that people with loved ones on the flight would be eager for information, and they have set up a special helpline for friends and family at 1-800-679-8215.
It's unclear if there are any survivors.
Isom said the airline is cooperating fully with federal investigators and would release more information when they can do so.
AA CEO Robert Isom's full statement
Hello everyone. I'm Robert Isom, the CEO of American Airlines. I want to brief you on a serious accident that occurred involving an American Eagle aircraft. The aircraft was operated by PSA Airlines, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines. First and most importantly, 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. I know that there are many questions, and at this early stage, I'll not be able to answer all of them, but I do want to share the information I have at this time.
American Eagle flight, 5342 operated by PSA Airlines, a CRJ-700 aircraft traveling from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington Reagan National Airport has been involved in an accident near Washington, D.C. It appears to have collided with a military aircraft on approach. Flight 5342 was under the command of four crew members and carried 60 passengers for a total of 64 people on board.
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. 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. That work will take time, but anything we can do now, we're doing, and right now that means focusing on taking care of all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families. Members of our Go Team will be on their way to Washington, D.C., and I'll be heading there shortly as well. We know that many people will be concerned for the welfare of their loved ones, and we've set up a special helpline friends and family can call at 1-800-679-8215. That's 1-800-679-8215 -- If you believe you've had friends or family on board American Eagle Flight 5342.
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. We owe that to everyone involved. Our team of highly trained professionals will be working around the clock to support our passengers, crew and their families, however we can, and we'll update you as soon as we can. Thank you.
