Flights have resumed across the USA after American Eagle Flight 5342, which was coming from Wichita and carrying 64 people crashed into Washington’s Potomac River after a mid-air collision with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
The aircraft, N709PS – Mitsubishi Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-701ER (twin-jet) (CRJ7), was on the verge of landing when the accident occurred. It has been part of the American Eagle fleet since December 2013, when US Airways and American Airlines merged
The flight was PSA Airlines Flight 5342 (marketed as American Eagle Flight 5342 on behalf of American Airlines) while the helicopter was a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter of the United States Army.
Emergency responders, including fire boats, faced challenging conditions due to darkness and near-freezing temperatures during the search and rescue efforts.
Among the passengers were figure skating athletes, coaches and family members who had been at a development camp in Wichita.
International flights use Dulles rather than Reagan airport in Washington DC. The proximity of Reagan International Airport to the White House has bene the subject of controversy over the years.
