From Senator Ted Cruz: “It has been nearly 48 hours since America witnessed the deadliest commercial airliner crash in over a decade.
As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, our committee oversees the aviation industry.
I have been briefed by the NTSB and FAA. Here’s what we know so far:
Flight 5342 was initially scheduled to land on Runway 1 at Reagan but was redirected to Runway 33.
Meanwhile, the helicopter was traveling along Route 1 before being shifted to Route 4.
We know that air traffic control confirmed with the helicopter crew that they had visual contact with the plane. Controllers then instructed the helicopter to move behind the plane. However, instead of complying, the helicopter moved in front of the aircraft.
The two aircraft collided mid-air, resulting in a catastrophic explosion.
Both black boxes have been recovered.
In the coming weeks and months, we will learn more from the NTSB and FAA as they conduct a thorough investigation.
I have spoken with DOT Secretary Duffy and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom.
I am confident that there will be transparency from all parties—the American people deserve to know what went wrong and how we will prevent tragedies like
this in the future.”