Norton Releases Statement Expressing Condolences to Those Involved in DCA Mid-Air Collision

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released a statement today expressing her condolences to those involved in the tragic mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport (DCA) last night and vowed to investigate the circumstances of the incident. “I am saddened to hear of the horrific mid-air collision that took place between American Eagle Flight 5342 and a miliary Black Hawk helicopter last night over the Potomac River adjacent to DCA. My heart is heavy, and my thoughts and prayers go to the loved ones of the civilians and service members involved in this catastrophic accident.  

"My colleagues and I have been briefed by both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) about the crash. Currently, search and rescue efforts are in the recovery phase. As of now, the black box of Flight 5342 has not been recovered. Recovering Flight 5342’s black box is one of NTSB’s main priorities during the recovery effort. The NTSB plans to release a report of their preliminary findings within 30 days. I look forward to reviewing the report as soon as it is available. Although no information about the circumstances of the crash are available at this time, I hope the findings of the NTSB can bring about meaningful change in aviation safety, as they did after Air Florida Flight 90 in 1982, which this tragedy rekindles memories of. American Airlines is currently taking the lead on communications with friends and family members who’s loved ones were on Flight 5342. If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215.”

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