01/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/29/2026 13:12
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement marking the one-year anniversary of the January 29, 2025 midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which resulted in the deaths of all 67 people aboard both aircraft:
"One year ago, 67 people - passengers, airline personnel, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces - died in a midair collision that never should have happened in the first place and must never happen again. Among the dead were more than a dozen of our Virginia constituents, including children and parents returning from a figure skating event in Kansas. Over the past year, we've been in touch with the families of those who lost their lives. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and communities for whom today marks a grim and tragic anniversary, and will continue to do all that we can to work together to enhance safety for the flying public."
Earlier this week, the senators released a statement in response to the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) findings about the causes of the accident.
###