Hoosiers React to Midair Collision at Reagan National

Source: Alex Wong / Getty

INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosiers are reacting to Wednesday’s midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a military Black Hawk helicopter at Virginia’s Reagan National Airport.

Former State Representative Mike Speedy, now Indiana’s Secretary of Business Affairs and a pilot for 10 years, is speaking out on safety protocols to prevent midair collisions.

“Pilots, whether they’re flying a helicopter or a commercial airline, should always know where they are, what risks exist, and what can happen,” he said. “An accident is caused by a chain of events that, if any link is addressed and avoided, can be prevented.”

Figure skaters, their coaches, and family members were aboard the American Airlines jet. The Skating Club of Boston confirmed that six of its members or associates were killed in the crash.

By 8 a.m., at least 28 bodies had been recovered from the icy waters of the Potomac River.

Indiana U.S. Congressman Jefferson Shreve, a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee member, said his committee will immediately investigate the cause of the crash and work to prevent future tragedies. He also assured that U.S. aviation remains safe.

“This has to be human error,” Shreve said. “I don’t think there was an equipment problem with either aircraft, and that doesn’t appear to be the case.”

Officials said three Army soldiers were on board the Black Hawk conducting a standard training flight.

The NTSB is investigating the crash. It is the first major commercial airplane crash in the U.S. since 2009, when the last crash occurred in Buffalo, New York.