American Airlines Expresses Condolences After Deadly Plane Collision
WASHINGTON, D.C. - American Airlines CEO Robert Isom conveyed deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and loved ones of the 64 individuals aboard a commercial flight that collided with a military helicopter on Wednesday near Reagan Washington National Airport.
Isom emphasized the profound grief for the affected families and crew members during a press briefing. The flight, operated by American Airlines subsidiary PSA Airlines, was en route from Wichita, Kansas to Washington, D.C., when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers on a training mission.
Initial reports indicate that the helicopter was carrying members of the U.S. Figure Skating team, along with their families and coaches. Authorities confirmed the recovery of 28 bodies, one from the helicopter and 27 from the plane.
"We are devastated by this tragedy," Isom stated. "We are collaborating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Pentagon in their investigations."
The incident marks the first commercial airplane collision since 2009 and the deadliest plane crash since 2001. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Shares of American Airlines experienced a 4% decline in premarket trading on Thursday, later recovering to a 1.3% loss at market open.