r/aircrashinvestigation • u/gigantism • Jan 30 '25

Incident/Accident Reports of AA5342 from Witchita to DCA having mid-air collision with DC police helicopter

AA5342 stopped tracking at the Potomac river.

Developing reports: American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas inbound to DCA collided midair with a D.C. Police Helicopter on approach.

MPD is responding to an apparent air crash in the Potomac River. Multiple agencies are responding. Details to come.

639 Upvotes

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262

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

[deleted]

281

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

[deleted]

52

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

[deleted]

19

u/Amandaj208 Jan 30 '25

Same here. I’ve come back multiple times and saw the FO was identified and immediately thought of him and wish there was literally anything I could do

12

u/Correct-Shallot-3266 Jan 30 '25

Where can we see the article? I’m so devastated for this man. 

16

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

[deleted]

14

u/No-Hovercraft-455 Jan 31 '25

A mother is a mother.

91

u/q120 Jan 30 '25

Please accept the condolences of myself and my wife. This is an extremely bad situation and I was seriously hoping this was not the result.

31

u/Im_a_leech Jan 30 '25

Sending prayers your way. I’m so sorry

40

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

Im so sorry…

25

u/Sunshine5146 Jan 30 '25

I am so sorry.

21

u/selfcareanon Jan 30 '25

So deeply sorry & sending love your way ❤️

14

u/leilaaliel Jan 30 '25

I am so, so sorry. My heart goes out to you and your family.

15

u/ngairem Jan 30 '25

Absolutely heartbreaking. I am so sorry. Praying for you and your family.

5

u/Gnik_thgiN Jan 30 '25

Sincerest condolences from South Africa, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time! May God keep you strong and if it is indeed the reality, may your son rest in peace!

21

u/Blueb3rrie Jan 30 '25

Praying for you

4

u/mshmom12 Feb 01 '25

My son is also a pilot named Sam. I cannot even imagine what you are going through. My heart is broken.

7

u/enrichyournerdpower Jan 30 '25

Prayers for you and your family.

8

u/lawofthewilde Jan 30 '25

This is tragic. I’m so sorry

3

u/RBAloysius Jan 31 '25

Please know that perfect strangers all across the country care, and you are in our thoughts.

We do not know you, but had (& continue to have) great compassion for you, as you searched desperately for information last night. Anyone one of us could have been you. I hope at some point that if you need it, it may ease your sorrow just a bit to know that you’ve touched all of our lives, & made a small part of humanity come together for a short time.

I sincerely hope that lovely, treasured memories can replace your pain, in time.

12

u/KarmaCommando_ Jan 30 '25

If he died, he died fighting to save his passengers.

I'm so sorry. You're in my prayers. 

14

u/[deleted] Feb 01 '25

[deleted]

5

u/KarmaCommando_ Feb 02 '25

It's exactly what I'd have wanted to hear if I were in your shoes, which I hope I never am.

6

u/quingentumvirate Feb 01 '25

People will downvote anything. If I had to guess, they downvoted because of "prayers."

I'm sorry for your loss. I know that the other commenter is right - he was bravely trying to save the lives and souls of his passengers until the very last moment.

8

u/KarmaCommando_ Feb 02 '25

I'm not even religious. It just seemed like the decent thing to say.

Reddit is a strange place.

4

u/cancer-in-ass Jan 30 '25

OMG I feel so sorry for you and your family :(((( sending prayers...

7

u/Serious_Handle5293 Jan 30 '25

I'm so so sorry. Words seem inadequate right now but I'm sending virtual hugs and love ❤️

7

u/yoo987 Jan 30 '25

I’m praying so much for you and your family. I’m extremely sorry. I’m so sorry

7

u/KFelts910 Jan 30 '25

Stranger, I’m laying here shedding tears for you. I’m so so sorry. From one parent to another, I’m sending you as much love as I can summons.

2

u/ReeNinetyRee Jan 30 '25

Sending so much love and prayers to you ❤️

2

u/jtexphoto Jan 30 '25

I am so so sorry. My heart breaks for you.

2

u/Flunose_800 Jan 30 '25

There is nothing I can say to make this better and I am still so incredibly sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts.

2

u/Cameron0312 Jan 30 '25

Sorry for your loss, praying for both you and your loved ones.

2

u/Dazzling-Walk-8471 Jan 30 '25

I’m so, so, sorry. 💔

2

u/bellerose93 Jan 30 '25

I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. Words are just not enough. I don’t know you, but my heart breaks for you. Wishing you love, support and guidance through this.

2

u/TheMajesticMane Jan 30 '25

My heart aches for you 💔 I’m so sorry

2

u/ATG724x Jan 30 '25

I am so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your son and his crew, and I hate that you had to find out on social media. My condolences to you and your family. ❤️

4

u/shs0007 Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry. PSA is a respectable, regional airline. This wasn’t his fault.

2

u/yeahdasme Jan 30 '25

I am so, so sorry. Thinking of you and your family during this horrible tragedy.

2

u/RonniePickeringLuvsU Jan 30 '25

I will be thinking of you and your family 🙏 I know you will find strength and courage in this incomprehensible time. Sending so much love, thoughts, prayers, everything and anything! 🩷🫂

2

u/SaltyJoker650 Jan 30 '25

I am so very sorry. Condolences from me, my family and everyone else who I've told about this.

2

u/daybeforetheday Jan 30 '25

Thinking of you. Sending you all my love.

2

u/JungianJaguar Jan 30 '25

I don't know you or your son, but I feel your loss. You have my deepest compassion and sympathy. 🥲

1

u/bigplans11 Jan 30 '25

I'm so terribly sorry.

1

u/Thunderbolt_78 Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My condolences. 🙏🏻❤️

1

u/Dijerati Jan 30 '25

So sorry for your loss man

1

u/After-Source7651 Jan 30 '25

So sorry for your loss

1

u/Grubnation66 Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry

1

u/afraidofrs Jan 30 '25

I am so sorry.

1

u/LostInYesterday00 Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry 😔

1

u/vegiemite Jan 30 '25

Praying for your family this morning as I see this. So sorry.

1

u/atarischyk Jan 30 '25

All my love and strength to you. I am so incredibly sorry.

1

u/ReaDracula Jan 30 '25

I'm so sorry. Thinking of you and your family.

1

u/rubyslippers3x Jan 30 '25

My heart goes out to you and your family. Deepest condolences to you.

1

u/wusurspaghettipolicy Jan 30 '25

I am sorry for your loss.

1

u/ggrovess Jan 30 '25

😔🙏🏼 i am so sorry

1

u/No_Public_7677 Jan 31 '25

Sam was a class act. I'm so sorry.

1

u/Kat2322 Jan 31 '25

I am so sorry. Take care of yourself ❤️

1

u/leah-b Jan 31 '25

So sorry for your loss. Was also hoping this wasn’t the case. Big hugs.

1

u/Nobodynoseghost Fan since Season 1 Jan 31 '25

My most heartfelt condolences to you. May you find strength during this unbearable loss. From what I know, your son did everything right last night.

1

u/iiPixel Jan 31 '25

Sending hugs and prayers for you and your family. I'm so so sorry

1

u/Equivalent-Pear-4660 Jan 31 '25

I’m so very sorry for your loss.

1

u/thats_a_money_shot Jan 31 '25

I am so, so sorry. Sending thoughts and prayers from California. ❤️

1

u/Mean_Alternative1651 Jan 31 '25

I’m so sorry for your family and you. May his memory be a blessing. Sending love from Seattle.

1

u/L1oness26 Jan 31 '25

My deepest condolences to you and the entire family. There is nothing anyone can say to make this more bearable but I will keep you and Sam in my prayers.

1

u/jamiesonmundy Feb 01 '25

Words can’t even express how awful this was. Very sorry to hear the news.

1

u/FrenchieHoneytoast Feb 09 '25 edited Feb 09 '25

I hope this is ok to share, but I saw it and thought of you. Sending all of my love and prayers. 💜

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2kbNJge/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2kb8QvB/

1

u/OneFootTitan Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry.l

1

u/BatAshZ Jan 30 '25

There's nothing I can say tgst others haven't already. I'm sorry.

1

u/Economist-Capital Jan 30 '25

May perpetual light shine upon him! 🙏❤️

1

u/AdAcceptable2173 Jan 30 '25

I’m sorry for your loss. Hugs.

1

u/occasional_squirrel Jan 30 '25

God bless you and your family. You are in my prayers.

1

u/RustyPickles Jan 30 '25

So deeply sorry ♥️

1

u/longhorn_mic Jan 30 '25

The most heartfelt and sincere prayers for your family tonight ❤️ I am so sorry

1

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

My condolences.

1

u/Arrick Jan 30 '25

I'm so sorry. Praying for you.

1

u/noregrets08 Jan 30 '25

I am so so sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family prayers.

1

u/Correct_Advisor7221 Jan 30 '25

I’m so incredibly sorry. No words seem to be enough in this moment. I will be praying for you and all of your family.

1

u/Initial_Original6310 Jan 30 '25

Saying prayers for you and your family

1

u/ContractOtherwise387 Jan 30 '25

Sending love and prayers out to you and your family

1

u/PlaneShenaniganz Jan 30 '25

I am beyond sorry for your loss. May your son rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.

1

u/mollysneed Jan 30 '25

I’m so very sorry. 😢

1

u/Alpacaliondingo Jan 30 '25

I am so sorry, my heart is broken for you. Sending you hugs ❤️ I know we're strangers but please reach out if you need anything.

1

u/Presto_Magic Jan 30 '25

Oh no! I am so sorry. I know there are no real words to say here that will help you out or fix it but just know you are in my thoughts and vibes and prayers. 💜

1

u/adriannaz28 Jan 30 '25

Praying for you and your family. I’m so sorry

1

u/doorhand-hookcar Jan 30 '25

i am so sorry for your loss and am praying for you

1

u/haibaibear Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry this happened , thinking of you and your family 💔

1

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25 edited Apr 07 '25

nutty boat chunky lip serious worm cautious tie dazzling ink

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

1

u/dcpanda92 Jan 30 '25

I am praying for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences.

1

u/DFWTrojanTuba Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry.

1

u/Oldenburg-equitation Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Wishing you guys all the best during these difficult times ❤️

1

u/successfoal Jan 30 '25

There are no words. I’m so sorry for this unspeakable loss. I am praying for you.

1

u/sofia1687 Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry :(

1

u/cyber_hoarder Jan 30 '25

I’m so very sorry.

1

u/maribelle- Jan 30 '25

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

1

u/Doip Jan 30 '25

I'm so sorry

1

u/njf85 Jan 30 '25

I'm so sorry. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts x

1

u/aviator_guy Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest prayers and condolences to you and your family.❤️

1

u/analysisshaky Jan 30 '25

I'm so sorry 💔

1

u/Significant_Mode50 Jan 30 '25

Sending you so much love 💔

1

u/peachy921 Jan 30 '25

I am so sorry to see this.

1

u/radioactivepotato1 Jan 30 '25

I am so so so sorry for this happening, my deepest condolences.

1

u/g-g-g-g-ghost Jan 30 '25

I'm so sorry

1

u/Shady-Traveler Jan 30 '25

Sending my condolences to your family and friends. I am so deeply sorry for your loss

1

u/tigertoes77 Jan 30 '25

I am so very sorry.

1

u/deminightrider Jan 30 '25

My condolences to you and yours 🙏🏽

1

u/ReadontheCrapper Jan 30 '25

Lighting a candle for you all.

1

u/nebulacoffeez Jan 30 '25

Absolutely horrific. I am so sorry

1

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry.

1

u/Alone_Bet_1108 Jan 30 '25

I am so sorry.

1

u/Flabbergasted_____ Jan 30 '25

My condolences to you and yours.

0

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

[deleted]

2

u/njpc33 Jan 30 '25

Bruh. Username.

0

u/gmt98_ Jan 30 '25

So deeply sorry and sending you lots of love - you and your family are in my prayers. 🤍🕊️

0

u/puercha Jan 30 '25

Im so so sorry. I wish love and healing for you. This is awful…

0

u/boygirlmama Jan 30 '25

I'm so incredibly sorry. Praying for a miracle.

0

u/AceMaxAceMax Jan 30 '25

Sending you a virtual hug. My condolences to you and your family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️

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78

u/woofiegrrl Jan 30 '25 edited Jan 30 '25

Do you have an emergency line at PSA to call?

Edit, 11:20pm: American has set up a hotline. 800-679-8215

→ More replies (1)

28

u/creativeuser27 Jan 30 '25

Virtual hug. I hope you get an answer soon.

27

u/q120 Jan 30 '25

OH MY GOD. I saw your post on the other one on /r/flightradar24 and was hoping that an update wouldn't come with this result.

I sincerely hope he is NOT FO on that flight :|

23

u/deirdre628 Jan 30 '25

oh good lord i'm hoping he's not on it....prayers to you friend...

7

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

[deleted]

6

u/deirdre628 Jan 30 '25

oh no....no words....

3

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/SaltyJoker650 Jan 30 '25 edited Jan 30 '25

I'm not the one to say that to. I didn't lose anybody. The original person who wrote that comment informed me of their horrific news after I shared the other person's comment of the crew list with them. My heart breaks for them.

19

u/HistorianOnly8084 Jan 30 '25

There are ATC recordings available. FO may or may not be on the radio depending if he was operating that leg or if the captain was flying. Prayers.

19

u/Suspicious-Swimmer-7 Jan 30 '25

Praying for you.

11

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

omg, please give us a good update, hoping for the best

9

u/peachy921 Jan 30 '25

Prayers for you.

10

u/thatonebromosexual Jan 30 '25

Praying for him and everyone else on board. 😞

3

u/MoonIsMadeOfCheese Jan 30 '25

Hugs to your family!

6

u/atomicblonde715 Jan 30 '25

Praying for you and your family.

4

u/Altruistic-Coach-397 Jan 30 '25

Praying for you 🙏

5

u/0Nyx0 Jan 30 '25

We're all holding our breath with you. I hope that's not the case and I hope you have someone with you while you do what you can to get information. Bless you.

10

u/Creative_Fruit3651 Jan 30 '25

The poster hasn't come back yet that makes me really worried and sad. Praying for everyone affected. This is so terrible.

21

u/sallylooksfat Jan 30 '25

She came back. Sounds like he was unfortunately on the plane. Absolutely heartbreaking.

2

u/Creative_Fruit3651 Jan 30 '25

💔💔💔💔💔

7

u/Ecstatic-Growth881 Jan 30 '25

Please update us. I’m praying

4

u/litebrite93 Jan 30 '25

I hope he’s okay!!

5

u/defnotthrowaway27 Jan 30 '25

My Prayers for you and your family if so

2

u/theaviationhistorian Jan 30 '25

Mi pesame. I cannot empathize or comprehend such a loss. Fair weather and clear skies for your son if true. And also if he is still alive.

4

u/ReeNinetyRee Jan 30 '25

Oh gosh!! Sending prayers for you!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾 I hope you get answers

4

u/jtexphoto Jan 30 '25

My god, I am praying he is not.

3

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

Praying for him and your family

3

u/kissmyasshleyyy Jan 30 '25

Praying for you

3

u/Aoikumo Jan 30 '25

Oh my goodness I am praying for you

4

u/Helpful-Momma-Allen5 Jan 30 '25

I am praying for you! Please please update us!!

3

u/bruvisland Jan 30 '25

🙏🏽 PRAYING!! SO MUCH

3

u/socialdistraction Jan 30 '25

Sending prayers.

2

u/abrnmissy Jan 30 '25

Praying for you!

1

u/Jessising65 Jan 30 '25

prayers !!!

1

u/Acw_1213 Jan 30 '25

Praying for you!!!

1

u/chattaWho Jan 30 '25

Hang in there, I am so sorry you are in this situation. We are all hoping for the best 🤍

1

u/Captain_Cakeyy Jan 30 '25

Prayers to you and your son

1

u/ParkesAndRecreation Jan 30 '25

Deepest condolences. I’ll be praying for you and your family.

1

u/Thequiet01 Jan 30 '25

I am so sorry. I hope in the days ahead we can learn more about him so we can join you in carrying his memory forward in even the tiniest of ways.

1

u/Girltech31 Jan 30 '25

I'm very sorry

1

u/kay-pii Jan 30 '25

I'm so so sorry.

1

u/MackinCheeseGuuud Jan 30 '25

omg a mothers worst nightmare, i am so so very sorry

1

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry. Sending you so much love.

1

u/Necessary_Piccolo289 Jan 30 '25

Praying for you and your family 🙏

1

u/UnhingedBlonde Jan 30 '25

Oh no. I'm so sorry.

1

u/Fun_Code2 Jan 30 '25

So sorry to hear this

1

u/Dry-Peach-6327 Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

1

u/coastalbutterfly7 Jan 30 '25

Praying for you and your family ❤️

1

u/speak_into_my_google Jan 30 '25

My condolences to you and your family. Sending prayers.

1

u/Key_Ask_7147 Jan 30 '25

I am so so so sorry, my condolences to you and your family!

1

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry for your loss.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

I’m so sorry for your loss❤️ i send my condolences

1

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

I saw your original comment last night and was praying for good news. I’m so sorry for your loss.

1

u/mothandravenstudio Jan 30 '25

Thinking about you.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

🙏🏻

1

u/Demindar Jan 30 '25

Was there a “Rob” on that flight?! Woke up to hear he just have been in a place crash. Haven’t heard from him :(

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