Washington: American Airlines canceled two flights Thursday between Wichita and Washington, DC. The cancellations follow a tragic midair collision involving one of its passenger planes on the same route Wednesday night.
Flight Details and Cancellations
According to American Airlines’ website, one canceled flight was scheduled to leave Reagan National near DC at 2:21 p.m., while the second flight was scheduled to depart from Wichita Airport at 5:18 p.m.
These cancellations come in the wake of a fatal crash involving American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft was traveling from Wichita to Reagan National when it collided midair with a U.S. Army helicopter.
Details of the Midair Collision
The plane was a Bombardier CRJ700 with 60 passengers and four crew members. According to FAA and defense officials, the aircraft collided with a U.S. Army helicopter that approached Runway 33 at Reagan National.
Investigation and Response
Authorities are investigating the collision’s cause. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are working with military officials to determine what led to the tragic event. Officials have not reported any survivors.
The cancellations highlight the impact of the incident on travel between Wichita and Washington, DC. American Airlines has yet to announce when flights on this route will resume.
What’s Next?
American Airlines advises affected passengers to check for rebooking options. The airline has expressed condolences to those impacted by the tragedy and is fully cooperating with the investigation.
More details are expected as authorities continue their probe into this devastating midair collision.
