A figure skater has revealed that was supposed to be on the doomed American Airlines fight which collided with a US military helicopter above Washington D.C.
At around 9.00pm local time on Wednesday (Thursday 2am GMT) a PSA Airlines jet – operating as American Airlines 5432 – collided with the Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
It’s understood the passenger jet had been approaching the airport’s Runway 33 to land when the crash occurred, with the American Airlines flight and helicopter subsequently falling into the nearby Potomac River.
It is currently believed that all 64 people onboard the passenger and three soldiers have died in the accident.
Amongst the 64 people onboard Flight 5432 were numerous senior figure skaters, including former Russian champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov.
American figure skater Jon Maravilla has now revealed that he was scheduled to be a passenger on the flight, which departed from Wichita, Kansas but was ultimately unable to board the aircraft.
According to a report from PEOPLE, Maravilla revealed on his Instagram stories that he wasn’t able to check-in due to size restrictions which prevented his dog from being able to board.
“Not allowed past gate to board flight,” he wrote in the story, later confirming that he would driving from Kansas to D.C.
Maravilla would later confirm to Russian news agency RIA Novosti there was around ’14 figure skaters’ onboard the flight excluding parents and coaches.
“Such a tragedy,” he added, before declining to confirm the names of any passengers.
US figure skating has since confirmed that athletes, coaches and family members were onboard Flight 5432 following the completion of a National Development Camp held in conjunction with the US Figure Skating Championships.
One of the stories Jon shared prior to the collision (Instagram/@Jon_Maravilla)
“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,” the US governing body for figure skating added in a statement. Russian state media separately confirmed that Shishkova and Naumov were onboard. The couple’s son Maxim and former USSR skater Inna Volyanskaya may have also been on the flight.
Meanwhile Robert Isom, head American Airlines, has shared his ‘deep sorrow’ over the collision and confirmed that he will be heading to Washington DC ahead of an investigation into the crash.
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,” he said in a statement.
“Members of our Go Team will be on their way to Washington, D.C., and I’ll be heading there shortly as well.”
Featured Image Credit: (Jurij Kodrun – International Skating Union/International Skating Union via Getty Images)
Topics: US News
Brenna Cooper
Everything we know about American Airlines flight carrying 60 passengers that collided with helicopter mid-air
American Airlines flight 5342 crashed into a military helicopter last night (29 January)
Emergency services are continuing to undergo a recovery operation after a passenger plane and military helicopter crashed mid-air just outside Washington DC, with both aircraft falling into the Potomac River.
The awful incident happened at 9.00pm local time on Wednesday (29 January) as the American Airlines passenger jet was descending to land on Runway 33 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
All take offs and landings at the airport have been temporarily suspended while the incident over the Potomac River is investigated and emergency services continue to search for survivors.
Here’s everything we know so far about the devastating crash.
What caused the American Airlines crash?
This is still to be determined, with the black boxes from both the helicopter and plane vital to establishing what was going on in the build up to the fatal collision.
All we know at this stage is that the passenger plane and military helicopter collided as the plane was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to land.
How many people were on board the American Airlines flight?
It has been confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew were on American Airlines flight 5342.
US Figure Skating, which is the American governing body for the sport, has announced that a number of athletes and coaches were on board the fateful flight.
In a statement, it said: “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.
Rescue teams are up against tough weather conditions (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
“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.”
According to CBS, at least 19 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River at the time of publishing this article.
No survivors have also been located at this stage as the investigation and recovery mission continues.
Meanwhile, three people were on board the helicopter.
What has American Airlines said about the crash?
The CEO of American Airlines, Robert Isom, issued a response to the incident in Washington DC as he explained he was travelling to DC with a specialist team to aid the investigation.
In a statement, the businessman said: “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. 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.”
The crash site (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
What has Donald Trump said about the American Airlines crash?
President Trump described the incident as a ‘bad situation’ that ‘should have been prevented’.
“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport,” he wrote on his social media site Truth Social.
“The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn.
“Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!! What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!”
Dispatcher audio of aftermath of American Airlines crash released
Air traffic control audio has since been released from the incident, detailing the harrowing moment dispatchers witness the crash.
“The accident happened in the river. Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river,” a man on the audio says.
“It was probably out in the middle of the river. Um, I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven’t seen anything since they hit the river.
“But it was a CR-J [the type of plane] and a helicopter that hit, I would say a half-mile of the approach.”
What’s the latest on the rescue operation?
During a press conference, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said his team ‘don’t know’ if they’ll find anybody alive.
He went on to explain that weather conditions were making the rescue operation tougher.
“There is wind. There are pieces of ice in the water… And because there is not a lot of light, you are out there searching every square inch of space,” he said.
“These are very tough conditions for [rescuers] to dive in.”
Featured Image Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Topics: American Airlines , Travel, US News, Donald Trump
Tom Earnshaw
Air traffic control audio from American Airlines crash reveals devastating reaction to plane colliding with helicopter
The PSA Airlines jet, operating as American Airlines 5432, collided with a US Army helicopter around 21:00 local time on Wednesday
An American Airlines passenger jet has collided mid-air with a US army helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington DC.
The PSA Airlines jet, operating as American Airlines 5432, collided with the helicopter around 21:00 local time on Wednesday (29 January). The Bombardier CRJ700, departed from Wichita, Kansas and collided with a Sikorsky H-60 that had taken off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
CBS reports that 60 passengers and four crew members were on board the passenger plane, and at least 19 bodies have been recovered so far.
Here is the audio from an airline official who witnessed the aftermath of the devastating crash:
All take-offs and landings from the airport were halted as helicopters flew over the scene in search of survivors, while inflatable rescue boats were launched into the nearby Potomac River.
“The accident happened in the river,” an official said in the audio obtained by the outlet. “Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river.”
NBC has also reported what a controller said after they’d witnessed what happened shortly after the incident.
Emergency crews have responded to the incident (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
“It was probably out in the middle of the river. Um, I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven’t seen anything since they hit the river,” they said. “But It was a CR-J and a helicopter that hit, I would say a half-mile of the approach.”
According to CNN, another pilot can be heard saying ‘we saw flares from the opposite side of the Potomac’ after witnessing the collision, while an approach controller added: “Apparently both aircraft involved are in the river, a search and rescue will be ongoing.”
Roy Best, a federal employee, claims he was on the rooftop of his building located next to the airport when the collision took place.
He told CNN: “It was just a loud noise. So I turned to the side, and I saw a big spark. And then just something falling. Because it was kind of dark. Couldn’t really tell what it was. I didn’t know if it was a firecracker or what.”
President Donald Trump said he has been briefed on the ‘terrible accident’.
The PSA Airlines jet, operating as American Airlines 5432, collided with a US Army helicopter around 21:00 local time on Wednesday (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)
He thanked first responders for their ‘incredible work,’ noting that he was ‘monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise’, adding: “May God Bless their souls.”
“Please say a prayer for everyone involved in the mid-air collision near Reagan airport this evening,” Vice President JD Vance wrote on X.
“We’re monitoring the situation, but for now let’s hope for the best.”
“American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700,” American Airlines said in a statement.
“There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
LADbible Group has contacted American Airlines for an update.
Everything we know so far about the American Airlines plane crash
What caused the American Airlines crash?
This is still to be determined, with the black boxes from both the helicopter and plane vital to establishing what was going on in the build up to the fatal collision.
All we know at this stage is that the passenger plane and military helicopter collided as the plane was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s Runaway 33 to land.
Who was on board the American Airlines flight?
It has been confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew were on American Airlines flight 5342, while three people were on board the helicopter.
US Figure Skating, which is the American governing body for the sport, has announced that a number of athletes and coaches were on board the fateful flight.
What has American Airlines said about the crash?
The CEO of American Airlines, Robert Isom, issued a response to the incident as he explained he was travelling to DC with a specialist team to aid the investigation.
In a statement, the businessman said: “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. 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.”
What has Donald Trump said about the American Airlines crash?
President Trump described the incident as a ‘bad situation’ that ‘should have been prevented’.
“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport,” he wrote on Truth Social.
“The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn.
“Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!! What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!”
What’s the latest on the rescue operation?
During a press conference, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said his team ‘don’t know’ if they’ll find anybody alive, explaining that weather conditions were making the rescue operation tougher.
“There is wind. There are pieces of ice in the water… And because there is not a lot of light, you are out there searching every square inch of space,” he said.
“These are very tough conditions for [rescuers] to dive in.”
Featured Image Credit: Earth Cam
Topics: US News, Travel, American Airlines
Anish Vij
Heartbreaking moment man reveals text he received from wife on-board American Airlines flight minutes before crash
Rescue efforts are currently underway in Washington DC
A man has told how he received a text from his wife who was travelling on the American Airlines flight moments before it collided with a US military helicopter.
The Bombardier CRJ700, which was operating as American Airlines 5432, collided mid-air with a Black Hawk helicopter in Washington DC on Wednesday (29 January) night.
The incident occurred at around 9pm local time as the passenger plane was approaching the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.
The jet – which had departed from Wichita, Kansas – then smashed into the Potomac River, with NBC 4 Washington reporting that the aircraft ‘split in half’ and is ‘seven feet underwater’.
A passenger plane collided with an Army helicopter in Washington DC on Wednesday night (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
It collided with a Sikorsky H-60 which was carrying three US soldiers, the Pentagon said. Rescue efforts remain underway, with emergency responders trawling the water for survivors.
According to the BBC, 18 bodies have been pulled from the Potomac River so far.
Hamaad Raza explained that he realised ‘something was up’ when his replies to his partner, who was one of the 64 people onboard the plane, didn’t ‘get delivered’.
He has said he is ‘praying’ that his wife has survived the tragedy in an emotional interview. Speaking to news outlet WUSA, he revealed that he had been conversing with his spouse in the moments before the crash.
“I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now,” Raza said. “That’s all I can pray for.
Hamaad Raza said he realised ‘something was up’ when his text messages to his wife weren’t going through (WUSA9)
“She texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes. The rest of my texts did not get delivered. That’s when I realised something might be up.”
According to US officials, the Army Black Hawk helicopter involved in the incident was on a ‘training flight’.
A military spokesperson told Fox News (via The New York Post): “We can confirm that the aircraft involved in tonight’s incident was an Army UH-60 helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, out of Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir during a training flight.
“We are working with local officials and will provide additional information once it becomes available.”
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will also be investigating the cause of the crash.
President Donald Trump said he had been ‘fully briefed’ on the incident in a statement shared on Wednesday (29 January) night.
“May God Bless their souls,” he said. “Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise.”
American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, has also expressed his ‘deep sorrow’ in a video posted to the company’s website.
In a statement, the airline said: “Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.
“If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers.
“Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”
Featured Image Credit: WUSA9
Topics: US News, World News, Travel
Olivia Burke
Donald Trump raises alarming question as ‘multiple killed’ after American Airlines plane collided with helicopter mid-air
At least 19 bodies have been recovered after an American Airlines passenger jet collided mid-air with a US army helicopter
Donald Trump has questioned the circumstances surrounding the tragic American Airlines plane crash last night (29 January).
At least 19 bodies have been recovered after a PSA Airlines jet, operating as American Airlines 5432, collided mid-air with a military helicopter at around 9.00pm local time.
The Bombardier CRJ700, which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a Sikorsky H-60 that had taken off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia. 60 passengers and four crew members were on board the passenger plane, while three soldiers were on board the helicopter.
What Donald Trump has said about the American Airlines plane crash
US President Trump said he has been briefed on the ‘terrible accident’, and has thanked first responders for their ‘incredible work.’
However, the 78-year-old believes it ‘looks like it should have been prevented’.
“The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport,” he wrote on his social media site Truth Social.
“The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time.
President Donald Trump has commented on the incident (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn.
“Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane.
“This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!”
He added: “What a terrible night this has been. God bless you all!”
Chilling air traffic audio has been released by American Airlines, as dispatchers witnessed the aftermath of the tragic crash.
“The accident happened in the river,” an official said, according to CBS.
“Both the helicopter and the plane crashed in the river.”
Rescue workers attended the scene (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
“It was probably out in the middle of the river. Um, I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven’t seen anything since they hit the river,” a controller also said, according to NBC.
“But it was a CR-J and a helicopter that hit, I would say a half-mile of the approach.”
What has American Airlines said?
“American Eagle Flight 5342 en route from Wichita, Kansas (ICT), to Washington, D.C. (DCA) was involved in an accident at DCA. The flight was operated by PSA Airlines with a CRJ-700,” American Airlines said in a statement.
“There were 60 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts.”
“If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”
