'An unbearable sorrow': Kansas leaders reflect after Wichita flight collides with military helicopter

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An American Airlines flight that departed from Wichita, Kansas, on Wednesday collided with a military helicopter at Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Update, 10 a.m. | President Trump is expected to offer remarks on the crash at 10 a.m. central. You can watch his remarks here.

Update, 9:50 a.m. | National Security Advisor Mike Waltz says at least 30 bodies have been recovered from plane crash site.

Update, 9:30 a.m. | KSHB 41 News reporter Grant Stephens was at Kansas City International Airport Thursday morning to hear from fliers processing last night's crash.

Hear their thoughts in the video player below.

Update 9 a.m. | The flight that crashed Wednesday night was part of an effort to expand air service between Wichita and Washington D.C. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R - Kansas) worked to secure the flight, which launched regular service on Jan. 8, 2024. Here's a report at the time from the Wichita Eagle.

Update, 8:35, a.m. | Kansas Governor Laura Kelly releases a statement on the tragic plane crash. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives last night and extend my deepest condolences to the victims families and loved ones. I have been in constant communication with federal, state, and local officials overnight and want to thank the over 300 first responders from across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area for their response efforts. I will issue a flag order today to acknowledge this devastating event and tragic loss of lives."

Update, 8:30 a.m. | FAA investigators are supporting the NTSB-led investigation of Wednesday night's midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport. The NTSB is leading the investigaton and will provide all updates. We cannot comment on any aspect of open investigations. The FAA will quickly take any actions necessary based on evidence from the investigation.

Update, 8:15 a.m. | Wichita Mayor Wu provided an update on the passengers on-board the aircraft.thh

Update, 8 a.m. | Wichita Mayor Lily Wu provided an update Thursday morning from Wichita. Watch her remarks in the video player below.

Update 6:45 a.m. | Officials holding a briefing in D.C.
Washington Fire and EMS John Donnelley says there are likely no survivors. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy says: Last night was a clear night. We have located the two aircraft. NTSB will analyze the aircraft to get the best results possible. "We will not rest until we have answers for the families."

Update 6:15 a.m. | Wichita Mayor Lily Wu says the City Council and faith leaders will host a community prayer at noon . https://x.com/lilywukansas/status/1884872987855266077?s=46

Update 6:05 a.m. | Area leaders continue to monitor and react the the collision. Rep. Sharice Davids (D - Kansas) is a member of the Aviation Subcommittee . https://x.com/RepDavids/status/1884801511663792342

KC Mayor Quinton Lucas also shared his thoughts. https://x.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1884804458514694507

Update, 6 a.m. | Fights to D.C. out of KCI have been canceled. Check https://flykc.com/flight-information

Update, 5:55 a.m. | Reagan National Airport will not resume flights until at least 11 a.m. EST due to the crash.

Update, 5:25 a.m. | NBC News reports more than 30 bodies have been pulled out of the Potomac River where American Eagle Flight 5342 and a military helicopter collided.

Update, 2:05 a.m. | The national body for U.S. Figure Skating tells NBC News that "several members of our skating community" were on the jet that crashed in Washington, D.C.

In the statement to NBC News, U.S. Figure Skating says, "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."

The statement goes on to say, "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."

Update, 12:35 a.m. | Both U.S. Kansas Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran spoke with reporters during a press conference updating the public on the crash.

During the briefing, Moran spoke on his efforts to lobby American Airlines to add the flight from Wichita to Reagan National airport, saying he's taken the flight many times.

Moran said the direct flight has only existed for just over a year.

"It is certainly true that in Kansas and in Wichita in particular, we're going to know people who are on this flight; know their family members, know somebody" Moran said. "So this is a very personal circumstance."

Marshall also spoke on the tragic incident.

"Certainly we are crushed in spirit tonight," Marshall said.

Update, 11:20 p.m. | The Associated Press said there were multiple fatalities, according to a person familiar with the matter. The precise number of victims is unknown.

Update, 11:02 p.m. | U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said on social media he's spoken with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly about the collission.

Update, 10:41 p.m. | The FAA said the Reagan National Airport will close until 5 a.m. on Friday, according to the Associated Press.

Update, 10:17 p.m. | American Airlines confirmed there were 60 passengers and four crew members on American Eagle Flight 5342, the aircraft involved in the collision.

The airlines says those who may have loved ones on the flight should 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.

Authorities weren't immediately able to provide any information on injuries.

NBC News reports search-and-rescue efforts were underway in the Potomac River.

Earlier | The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the collision happened as the airplane was approaching Runway 33 at about 9:00 p.m. local time at the airport.

Flight 5342 for American Airlines departed from Wichita just after 5:20 p.m.

The plane collided with a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.

The FAA didn't immediately have any information on injuries but did say the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would lead the investigation.

Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall said on social media the plane was carrying roughly 60 passengers on the plane.

"Tonight, we received devastating news of what can only be described as nothing short of a nightmare. A plane, traveling to the Nation's capital from Wichita, Kansas, carrying roughly 60 passengers collided with a Military helicopter," Marshall said. "My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families. There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident. I have been in contact with local and national authorities asking for answers and will continue to demand more information on how this unfolded."

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said on social media she was aware of the situation.

President Donald Trump released a statement saying he was briefed on the incident and hoped God blessed the souls of those involved.

"I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport," Trump said in a statement. "May God Bless their souls. 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."

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