Flights To And From Reagan National Airport From Augusta Cancelled Following Crash
Flights to and from Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington D.C. from Augusta Regional Airport have been cancelled today, following Wednesday night’s deadly crash around 9:00 pm involving an Army…
SEARCHING FOR SURVIVORS AFTER WEDNESDAY’S CRASH NEAR REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT
The Associated PressFlights to and from Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington D.C. from Augusta Regional Airport have been cancelled today, following Wednesday night's deadly crash around 9:00 pm involving an Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet.
The jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, collided with it, crashing into the Potomac River. The helicopter, with three crew members on board, was on a training flight.
Officials say their search-and-rescue operation is now one of recovery, since there appear to be no survivors. As of 9:00 am today, 28 bodies had been found.
Passengers on the American Airlines flight included several figure skaters who were just returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships as well as two of their Russian coaches and their families. They had been attending a development camp that followed the championships in Wichita, Kansas.
Reagan National Airport shut down following the deadly crash and was expected to re-open at 11:00 am today.
"We mourn with all those who have been impacted," said Wichita Mayor Lily Wu. "This is a terrible tragedy that will unite those in Washington, DC, and Wichita, Kansas, forever," she said.
Officials said weather was not an issue at the time of the crash. There were clear skies with visibility of about 10 miles.
Flights To And From Reagan National Affect Flights in Atlanta
Some flights between Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta have been affected today by Wednesday's crash.
According to FlightAware.com, more than a dozen flights have been canceled today between Atlanta and Reagan National Airport.
Airport officials advise travelers to stay in touch with their airlines for any schedule updates.
Wednesday's night's deadly crash was the first time there has been a crash involving a U.S. commercial flight since 2009.
A Colgan Air Flight from Newark, New Jersey to Buffalo, New York crashed on February 12, 2009 during a landing approach near Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Authorities said 45 passengers, two pilots, two flight attendants and one person on the ground were killed when the plane crashed into a house.
