Latest news with #YevgeniaShishkova
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Several Members' of the United States Figure Skating Team Were Onboard American Airlines Flight Involved in Tragic D.C. Crash
Several members of the United States Figure Skating team were onboard the American Airlines flight that was involved in a crash with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., last night, Jan. 29. U.S Figure Skating revealed in a statement that an unconfirmed number of members of the revered team, along with coaches and family members, were traveling on the plane from Wichita, Kan. to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. "...several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C." the organization confirmed to Parade. "These athletes, coaches, and family members were returning home from the National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas." A representative for the organization added, "We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts. We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available." 64 people were aboard the plane in total, including four members of the flight crew. Several bodies have reportedly been recovered from the Potomac River so far, according to multiple outlets, but no survivors have been located. Three soldiers were aboard the Army helicopter. Per the New York Times, American pairs figure skater Jon Maravilla told RIA Novosti, a Russian state news agency, that 'about 14 figure skaters" were onboard, "not counting their parents and coaches.' Russian outlets have reported that coaches and former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were onboard as well, according to Reuters. Their son, Maxim, who was in Wichita with them was reportedly not onboard the flight. Up to 13 other young Russian skaters may have been onboard according to the publication, but, as the investigation, rescue, and recovery efforts are all ongoing, the identities of those onboard have not yet been confirmed. Next:
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
U.S. Figure Skating stars were on board American Airlines flight in fatal D.C. crash
U.S. Figure Skating confirmed that skaters, coaches and family were on board the American Airlines jet that crashed near Washington, D.C. Russian-born pairs champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were among them Members of the U.S. figure skating community—including skaters, coaches and family—were on the American Airlines regional jet that crashed into the Potomac River near Washington D.C. after colliding with an Army Black Hawk helicopter late Wednesday. The skaters were returning from a training camp that followed national figure skating championships which took place in Wichita, Kan., and finished Sunday, according to the American governing body for the sport, U.S. Figure Skating. The flight that crashed, American Eagle Flight 5342, was landing in D.C.'s Ronald Reagan National Airport after a 2-hour and 45-minute flight from Wichita. 'We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims' families closely in our hearts,' U.S. Figure Skating communications director Alex Schauffler said in a statement given to Fortune. "U.S. Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C." One U.S. figure skater, Jon Maravilla, told Russian state-owned media RIA Novosti that at least 14 skaters were on board. Among those confirmed to be on board were Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, a married couple from Russia who won the gold medal in pair skating at the 1994 World Figure Skating Championships, held in Chiba, Japan. The pair also competed at the Winter Olympics twice. Shishkova and Naumov have reportedly lived in the U.S. since 1998, and are involved in training young skaters. They are listed as professional pairs coaches at the website of the Skating Club of Boston. The Russian Telegram channel Mash published a list of 13 skaters who were reportedly on the plane, including many children of Russian emmigrants to the U.S., but it has not been confirmed. The Kremlin confirmed that Shishkova and Naumov were on the plane and expressed condolences to the families of Russians who died in the crash. "There were other of our fellow citizens on board. It's bad news today from Washington. We are sorry and send our condolences to families and friends," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. This story was originally featured on
Express Tribune
30-01-2025
- Express Tribune
Plane and helicopter crash in DC: What we know so far
At least 30 people have been confirmed dead following a mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a US Army helicopter near Washington DC, according to CBS News. The collision caused the plane, carrying 64 passengers and crew, to crash into the Potomac River. Among those on board were figure skaters from the US, and Russia confirmed that some of its citizens were also involved. Search and rescue teams have been working overnight in freezing conditions to recover the victims. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has temporarily closed as authorities investigate the incident. What happened? Around 9:00 PM local time (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday, a PSA Airlines jet operating as American Airlines 5342 collided with a US Army Sikorsky H-60 helicopter as it was approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700, broke into multiple pieces before sinking several feet into the river, while the helicopter ended up upside down in the water. The plane had departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The helicopter, which was conducting a training flight from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, was carrying three US soldiers, Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed. A clip published online purportedly captures air traffic control warnings to the helicopter, though the audio remains unverified. The FAA, alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is investigating the cause of the collision. How many people were involved? A law enforcement officer said that at least 30 bodies have been recovered from the scene, though authorities have not confirmed the number, as their efforts remain focused on the ongoing rescue operation. US Figure Skating confirmed that several members of its community, including athletes, coaches, and family members returning from a development camp in Kansas, were aboard the plane. Additionally, the Kremlin confirmed that Russian citizens, including ice skating coaches and former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, were on board. Approximately 300 first responders, operating rubber boats in challenging conditions, have been deployed to search for survivors. Washington DC Fire and Emergency Services Chief John Donnelly described the situation as dangerous, citing wind, ice, and difficult access to the site. What are eyewitnesses saying? Ari Schulman, an eyewitness, told NBC Washington that he saw the plane crash while driving on the George Washington Parkway. He reported that the aircraft's approach appeared normal until it sharply banked to the right, with 'streams of sparks' illuminating its belly. 'It looked very, very wrong,' Schulman said, describing the sparks as resembling a 'giant roman candle.' Another witness, Jimmy Mazeo, recalled seeing what looked like a 'white flare' in the sky while having dinner at a park near the airport. He noted that planes appeared to be flying in "irregular patterns" before the crash, but did not think much of it until emergency services arrived. What are US officials saying? President Donald Trump issued a statement expressing his sorrow over the 'terrible accident' and said he was monitoring the situation closely. 'May God bless their souls,' he said, thanking first responders for their efforts. Trump also raised concerns about the incident's preventability, writing on TruthSocial, 'This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented.' Vice-President JD Vance and other officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, also expressed their condolences and pledged to monitor the situation. Duffy confirmed that a review of flight paths near the airport would take place. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom shared his 'deep sorrow' in a video posted on the airline's website, a sentiment echoed by US Senator Roger Marshall, whose home state of Kansas was the plane's point of origin. What's the US' air safety record? Incidents of this magnitude are rare in the US. The last comparable crash occurred in 2009 when an aircraft crashed on approach to Buffalo, New York, killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground. The airspace above Washington DC is both busy and heavily controlled, handling a large volume of domestic and international flights, along with additional military and presidential traffic. While civilian airliners must follow fixed flight plans, military pilots are required to 'see and avoid' other aircraft, providing them with some latitude to deviate from air traffic control instructions.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Everything we know so far about the American Airlines jet that crashed into a Black Hawk helicopter
President Donald Trump has questioned why a helicopter which crashed into a commercial flight didn't change its course, after the two collided and plunged more than 60 people into the Potomac River in Washington D.C. Both aircraft were likely fitted with collision avoidance systems—and experts are asking why they failed. There are now more than 300 responders now on the scene of the "highly complex" operation. Rescue teams are desperately searching for bodies in dark, murky, icy water after an American Airlines flight carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter over Washington D.C. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport—where the plane was attempting to land— at approximately 9pm on January 29. There are now more than 300 responders now on the scene of the "highly complex" operation. At least 19 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, law enforcement officials told CBS news. Washington officials say they believe no one survived. President Donald Trump released an official statement saying he had been briefed on the "terrible accident" and thanked first responders. But he later took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to question why the helicopter carrying three people had not changed course. "The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport," the Commander-in-Chief wrote. "The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn't the helicopter go up or down, or turn. "Why didn't the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane. This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!" American Airlines has confirmed flight 5342 was en route from Wichita, Kansas to Washington, D.C. when the accident occurred. The flight was being operated by regional carrier PSA Airlines which is a subsidiary of American Airlines. The plane was a CRJ-700, a smaller regional jet which can carry up to 70 people seated in rows of three or four, separated by an aisle. Among the passengers were Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, former ice skating world champions turned coaches, according to Russian state media reports. The married duo won the pairs championship in 1994 and moved to the States four years later, where they have lived ever since. One man—who did not share his name—told British media outlet Sky News that his daughter's best friend and her mother had been on board flight 5342, and had travelled from their home in Kansas to D.C. for an athletics trip. "I haven't heard much. I got off work and came straight here to be with my friends," the man added. "She was a nice kid." The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating the incident alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom, said the business was cooperating fully with the NTSB and would continue to provide as much information as possible. "That work will take time but anything we can do now, we're doing," Isom said—before adding he was en route to Washington D.C. himself. The carrier added: "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 for additional phone numbers. Family members in Canada, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands can call 800-679-8215 directly." Last night D.C. fire chief John Donnelly was asked if there were any survivors: "We don't know yet, but we're working," he responded. "It's a highly complex operation, the conditions out there are extremely rough for the responders. It's cold, they're dealing with relatively windy conditions—the wind is hard out there on the river," Donnelly explained. He added divers and boat teams are searching in a "large black spot" due to a lack of overhead lighting. The river is 8 feet deep at the search site and littered with chunks of ice. The FAA has confirmed that the military helicopter which collided with the jet was a Black Hawk Sikorsky H-60. According to manufacturers Lockheed Martin the Black Hawk is used for missions from air assault to emergency response. Used by 36 nations across the planet, Lockheed Martin says the Black Hawk has spent more than 15 million hours in the air with more than five million of those in combat. The aircraft has also been trusted to carry the likes of the President, operated by the HMX-1 'Nighthawks' squadron which have flown a fleet of Sikorsky VH-3D Sea Kings and VH-60N Black Hawks—a specification within the wider H-60 Black Hawk family. Audio obtained by Reuters appears to provide some insight into the communications between air traffic control and the craft before the collision. The audio—recorded on to capture air traffic control asking the Black Hawk if it can see the passenger jet crossing its path, and maneuver behind it. Using the call sign for the helicopter, the operator can be heard saying: "PAT 2-5 do you have the CRJ [passenger jet] in sight?" "PAT 2-5 pass behind the CRJ," the operator then adds. Exclamations are then heard before a controller adds—presumably to the airport base: "I don't know if you caught earlier what happened, but there was a collision on the approaching 3-3." The audio could not be verified by Fortune. Geoffrey Thomas, an aviation consultant, told the BBC that the U.S. has the safest airline system in the world: "These sorts of things don't happen in the United States anymore." He added collision avoidance systems are fitted in the vast majority of crafts across the commercial and military sector, and as such "technically [the crash] should never have happened. It's perplexing and tragic." According to delays monitoring website Flightstats, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport currently has the highest ranking of 5 in terms of delays. A statement on the airport's website adds: "Mutual aid from neighboring agencies were called to assist, and takeoffs and landings at the airport were halted for the remainder of the evening. We will continue to post information as it becomes available. "We are not expecting flights to resume until at least 11 a.m. today, January 30. Please check back for updates, and contact your airline directly for schedule updates." On plane tracking website Flightradar24, the only craft in the sky in the area around Ronald Reagan airport is a U.S. Park Police helicopter circling the Potomac River. Clusters of planes can also be seen at the nearby Dulles International Airport and Baltimore Washington International Airport. This story was originally featured on
Leaders
30-01-2025
- General
- Leaders
Tragic Mid-Air Collision Shakes Washington DC: Unraveling the Facts
An American Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 collided mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night. The passenger jet, operating as Flight 5342, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members. The military helicopter, a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, had three soldiers on board from Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The collision occurred around 9 p.m. local time as both aircraft approached Runway 33. Rescue teams have recovered at least 19 bodies from the Potomac River following the crash. Among the victims were figure skaters from the U.S. and Russia, including former world champions Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov. Authorities have deployed approximately 300 first responders to the crash site, where they face challenging conditions such as cold temperatures and ice. The search for additional survivors continues as authorities work tirelessly. Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaos Witnesses described harrowing scenes as the aircraft collided. Ari Schulman, driving along the George Washington Parkway, observed the plane's approach appearing normal until it banked hard to the right, emitting 'streams of sparks' from its underside. He noted that the sparks resembled a 'giant roman candle' extending from the plane's nose to its tail. Another witness, Jimmy Mazeo, saw a 'white flare' in the sky while dining near the airport and noted irregular flight patterns before emergency services arrived. Helicopter and plane crash in DC. Video here. Pilots can respond, but how is this possible? — Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) January 30, 2025 Official Responses and Investigation President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, stating he had been fully briefed on the 'terrible accident' and was monitoring the situation closely. He praised the efforts of first responders and emphasized the need to understand how such an incident could have occurred. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated a thorough investigation into the collision. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom conveyed his 'deep sorrow' regarding the tragedy in a video statement. In the aftermath of the collision, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport temporarily suspended all takeoffs and landings. Flights were diverted to nearby airports, including Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport. The airport remains closed as authorities conduct their investigation and ensure safety protocols are reviewed. Ongoing Developments As the investigation progresses, officials are focusing on determining the cause of the collision. The aviation community is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of safety measures to prevent future incidents. Families of the victims are being supported during this difficult time, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. However, authorities urge patience as recovery and investigative teams prioritize safety and accuracy in determining the crash's cause. Short link : Post Views: 60
