Aircraft involved in the fatal midair collision with military copter overnighted at GSP
The American Airlines Flight 5342 that collided with an Army helicopter had overnighted at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport hours before it crashed.
According to FlightAware, the Canadair Regional Jet 700 aircraft, tail number N709PS, arrived at GSP from Ronald Reagan National Airport at 10:02 p.m. on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the aircraft departed GSP at 7:20 a.m. and returned to Reagan National. The flight schedule included a stop in Cleveland Wednesday afternoon before returning to Reagan National, then taking off again and heading for Wichita, Kansas.
According to USA Today, the crash occurred just before 9 p.m. Wednesday when the flight from Wichita, attempted to land and collided in midair with the Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National. President Donald Trump said all 67 people aboard the American Airlines flight and helicopter died in the crash.
More: Live updates: All 67 aboard plane, copter killed in tragic midair collision near DC
GSP released a statement after the crash.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the tragic accident near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night. Our hearts are with the passengers and crew, military members, their loved ones, first responders, and our aviation community. We encourage everyone to stay informed through official channels. If you're traveling through the area, please check with airlines for updates."
According to reports, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov are believed to be two of the individuals dead. The two won world championships in pairs figure skating in 1994 before moving to the U.S. and becoming coaches. In addition, four other members of the Skating Club of Boston, including two teenagers and their parents, were on board the flight from Wichita.
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