American Airlines CEO Says It’s Unclear Why Helicopter Came Into Path of Plane Before Midair Collision

A top US official says the incident was ‘absolutely preventable.’
American Airlines CEO Says It’s Unclear Why Helicopter Came Into Path of Plane Before Midair Collision
Lights from emergency vehicles at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Va., after an air crash near the Potomac River on Jan. 29, 2025. Ting Shen/AFP via Getty Images
Jack Phillips
Jack Phillips
Breaking News Reporter
|Updated:
0:00

The CEO of American Airlines on Thursday said it is not clear why a U.S. Army helicopter came into the path of a PSA regional jet before the two aircraft collided near Washington, an incident that officials say likely left no survivors.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, speaking at a Thursday news conference, provided condolences for the more than 60 people who likely died in the incident and said the company is focusing on supporting everyone who was affected.

Jack Phillips
Jack Phillips
Breaking News Reporter
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter who covers a range of topics, including politics, U.S., and health news. A father of two, Jack grew up in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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