An American Airlines passenger jet with 64 people on board collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter over Washington’s Potomac River late Wednesday.
Officials suggested that no one survived the crash which is considered the first major commercial air crash in America in 16 years.
The deadly took place just before 9 p.m. as the passenger plane attempted to land at Reagan National Airport.
Divers and boats were searching three debris fields along the Potomac River where the plane plummeted after the crash.
19 bodies have been recovered so far. One of the two data recorders, also known as the black boxes, was also recovered.
The US Figure Skating confirmed that several athletes, coaches, and their family members were among the dead.
Three Army soldiers were aboard the doomed Black Hawk helicopter that was on a training flight at the time.
American Airlines said the crash involved Flight 5342 operated by PSA Airlines.
“Our concern is for the passengers and crew on board the aircraft. We are in contact with authorities and assisting with emergency response efforts,” the airline said.
