4/🧵
H-60 Helicopter Departed from McLean VA area and headed south on established helicopter route. Typically, night flying would be in low lights on the helo.
This is tightly controlled airspace. I know it well.
The passenger jet was on a Flight plan and under control of ATC. ATC is responsible for aircraft separation (pilots also) but that is the duty of ATC to assign altitude and control all aircraft in that Airspace.
5/
rip 🕯️
American Eagle PSA Airline
PAT25: US Army H60
6/ 🧵 Thread
American Airlines issues hotline for loved ones of those onboard
American Airlines issued a hotline for family members and loved ones of those onboard the Flight 5342, collided midair with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
“If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215,” the airline said in a statement.
“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”
The airline said it will continue to release information about the incident as it becomes available
7/ 🧵 Thread
Helicopter images of rescue boats surrounding crumpled fuselage section from American Airlines Flight 5342, which crashed in Potomac River after colliding with Black Hawk Helicopter.
udio from Air Traffic Control captured the moment the flight safety agency reported the horrific mid-air collision — just minutes before the American Airlines flight was cleared to land
“It was probably out in the middle river. I just saw a fireball and then it was gone" ATC
“I haven’t seen anything since they hit the river. But it was CRJ and a helicopter that hit, I would say, maybe a half mile off the approach into 33,” the controller to Fire Command.
EMS Department: “large amount of debris in the water” and a “casualty collection point” near the Metropolitan Police Department’s hanger
American split in two and remains upside down and unstable as it floats in 7-feet of water near the shore of Base Anacostia-Bolling
Divers have yet to make entry into the helicopter due to a lack of stability
