D.C. Plane Crash: Washington Commanders issue statement following deadly air accident

In the wake of a jet crash that had 60 passengers and four crew members on board on Wednesday night just outside of Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington D.C., the Washington Commanders have issued a statement.

The organization offers its thoughts to all those lost in the crash, as well as the first responders working the scene.

“We join all of the DMV in grieving the tremendous loss of life in last night’s horrific accident over the Potomac River,” the statement read. “Our hearts break for the families of the passengers and crew of American Airlines flight 5342 and the crew of the Army helicopter based out of Davison Army Airfield who tragically perished in the crash. Our entire community mourns with you.

“We are grateful to the first responders who worked throughout the night to support the search and rescue effort. May God bless all of the victims.”

The incident occurred late Wednesday night when a passenger airliner collided with an Army helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport.

The plane crashed into the Potomac River. According to the Associated Press, everyone on board the two aircrafts is feared dead, officials said on Thursday.

The American Airlines flight originated in Wichita, Kansas, before it collided with the military helicopter, which was on a training exercise.

The Associated Press detailed the harrowing moments just before the crash.

“A few minutes before the jet was to land, air traffic controllers asked American Airlines Flight 5342 if it could do so on a shorter runway, and the pilots agreed,” the AP wrote. “Controllers cleared the jet to land and flight tracking sites showed the plane adjust its approach to the new runway.

“Less than 30 seconds before the crash, an air traffic controller asked a helicopter if it had the arriving plane in sight. The controller made another radio call to the helicopter moments later, saying “PAT 25 pass behind the CRJ” — apparently telling the copter to wait for the Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine jet to pass. There was no reply. Seconds after that, the aircraft collided.

“The plane’s radio transponder stopped transmitting about 2,400 feet (732 meters) short of the runway, roughly over the middle of the Potomac.

“The body of the plane was found upside-down in three sections in waist-deep water, officials said. The helicopter’s wreckage was also found.”

According to the U.S. Figure Skating organization, there were several members of the figure skating community aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 leaving Wichita, Kansas.

“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 organization said. “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.”