American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has expressed his “deep sorrow” following the tragic mid-air collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 with a military helicopter over Washington, D.C.
The crash, which has reportedly claimed at least 19 lives so far, has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, with Isom pledging full cooperation in the investigation.
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The airline boss announced in a video message shared to social media that he is traveling to Washington, D.C., along with a team of specialists to assist authorities in understanding how the fatal incident occurred.
A Tragic Collision Over the Potomac
The disaster unfolded when American Airlines Flight 5342, inbound to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, was coming in to land on Runway 33.
Less than 30 seconds before impact, air traffic controllers asked the military helicopter, identified as a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk from Fort Belvoir, if it had visual confirmation of the approaching plane.
CNN reports that an air traffic controller asked: “PAT 2-5 do you have the CRJ in sight?”
Moments later, the two aircraft collided over the Potomac River. The plane’s radio transponder went silent just 2,400 feet short of the runway, sending debris plunging into the dark, “murky” waters below, per The Mirror.
At least 19 bodies have been recovered so far, per multiple news outlets, with search and rescue teams continuing their efforts.
The plane had been carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
The helicopter was carrying three soldiers on a training mission, though officials have not yet confirmed any fatalities among the military personnel.
“This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines,” Isom said in a statement late last night. “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 Vows Full Cooperation
While many questions remain unanswered, Isom made clear that American Airlines is actively working with local, state, and federal authorities to provide all available information.
Statement from @AmericanAir CEO Robert Isom. pic.twitter.com/MPLcp9a81U
— Ross Feinstein (@RossFeinstein) January 30, 2025
“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,” Isom stated.
The CEO reiterated the airline’s full cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and emphasized that transparency remains a top priority.
“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,” he said. “Right now, that means focusing on taking care of all passengers and crew involved, as well as their families.”
Support for Families and Loved Ones
In response to the tragedy, American Airlines has launched a special helpline (1-800-679-8215) for families seeking information about loved ones aboard Flight 5342.
“We owe everyone involved accurate and timely information,” Isom assured. “Our team of highly trained professionals will be working around the clock to support our passengers, crew, and their families, however we can.”
The CEO confirmed that members of American Airlines’ Go Team, a crisis response unit, were already en route to Washington, D.C., and that he himself would be traveling to the capital to oversee the airline’s response.
Eyewitnesses Describe ‘White Flares’ in the Sky
Washington resident Jimmy Mazeo, who was dining in a park when the crash happened, said he initially mistook the explosion for a celestial event.
“We saw these white flares streak across the sky. At first, we thought they were shooting stars,” he told WUSA9.
It wasn’t until emergency responders swarmed the area that Mazeo realized the gravity of the situation.
“We didn’t really think much of it until we saw the fire trucks, police cars, and boats racing toward the river. It was insane,” he said. “Of course, it’s terrible what happened tonight, but I think it’s crazy we got to see what happened. I’m praying for all the people involved in this.”
What Comes Next?
With at least 300 first responders still scouring the Potomac, the full scale of the tragedy is yet to be determined. D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly described the conditions as “extremely rough”, citing frigid temperatures and choppy waters.
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As the investigation continues, President Donald Trump has been briefed on the accident, thanking emergency crews for their “incredible work.”
For now, the nation watches and waits as officials search for answers. “We will continue to share accurate and timely information,” Isom promised. “And we will not stop until we learn exactly what happened.”
Our thoughts go out to every person impacted by this tragedy and we wish the emergency services the best with their ongoing efforts.
