American Airlines opens hotline for anyone who had a "loved one" on flight AA5342 which collided with BlackHawk helicopter

An American Airlines Eagle aircraft met with an unfortunate accident following a collision with the US Army’s Black Hawk helicopter on January 29, 2025, at 9 pm. As per an official notification by the airline company, 60 people and four crew members were boarded on the plane while three soldiers were on the helicopter.

The airline company has launched a hotline number for people whose loved ones were on the flight. Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines, also shared the news about the helpline number which is 1-800-479-8215. Those whose friends and families were on board can reach out to this number. A statement mentioned:

“If you believe you may have loved ones on board Flight 5342, call American Airlines toll-free at 800-679-8215. Those calling from outside the U.S. can visit news.aa.com for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly.”

CBS News reported that 19 bodies were recovered in the accident. However, no survivors were reportedly found. Isom also shared a video statement following the incident. He mentioned that the American Eagle aircraft was operated by PSA Airlines, a subsidiary of the airline company. He said:

“First and most importantly, I would like to express our deep sorrow about these events. This is a difficult day for all of us at American Airlines and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, partners, first responders, along with their families and loved ones.”

Isom acknowledged that although there were many questions, he did not have all the answers. He noted that the AA5342 flight was travelling from Wichita, Kansas to Washington Reagan National Airport. Isom mentioned that the airline company was working with local, state, and federal authorities in response efforts.

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More details about the American Airlines crash

Over 300 responders were involved in the complex search operation, which was expected to take days due to rough conditions. A support centre was set up at the airport for families waiting for loved ones. While no deaths were officially announced, Kansas Senator, Roger Marshall acknowledged the immense sorrow of the situation.

Robert Isom also mentioned that the American Airlines CARE team was working towards helping the passengers and their families. Isom noted:

“We are cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation and will continue to provide all the information we can. Our cooperation is without pause and we want to learn everything we can about today’s events. That work will take time.”

According to People Magazine, U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that several members of their community, including athletes, coaches, and family members, were on the American Airlines flight involved in the incident.

They had been returning from the National Development Camp held alongside the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas. The organization expressed deep sorrow for the tragedy and offered condolences to the victims' families.

An Army helicopter pilot noted that it was too early to determine the exact cause of the incident but suggested multiple factors may have gone wrong. The Black Hawk may have mistaken another aircraft for the plane it was tracking as it can be challenging to spot at night.