Quotes
I'm just grateful that I am okay and hopeful that they are able to find a lot of survivors in the Potomac." ... Prayers for everyone who was on that flight, and prayers for their family."
He expressed gratitude and hope ... Offering condolences, Moyer added
And by that time, people on board had to started to ascertain that there was a much bigger incident involving a commercial flight."
As the situation unfolded, Moyer explainedOur plane didn't have fuel to continue circling, so we were diverted to the other Washington DC airport, Dulles, which is a really quick trip, we touched down here, probably 15 minutes later."
He explainedI didn't think anything of it because of the winds, but I did notice that people started murmuring and then the captain came on and said there was an incident with a helicopter
reports Express USMy flight was scheduled to touch down at 8:55pm, and that incident was at 8:53pm, we were following them into runway 33 at DC National Reagan, so I'm feeling like I was within two minutes of... death."
He saidI’m just devastated by this,
Sullenberger said
We’ve had to learn important lessons literally with blood too often, and we had finally gotten beyond that, to where we could learn from incidents, and not accidents,
Captain Sullenberger told The New York TimesTogether, we take solace in the knowledge that their journey ended not in the cold waters of the Potomac, but in the warm embrace of a loving God,
Trump saidThis my 25 yo old son who lost his beautiful wife
Raza's father, Dr Hashim Raza, identified him on social media, writing
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.”
American Airlines said in a statement
God bless their souls."
President Donald Trump reacted to the tragedy, saying
I'd 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,
CEO Robert Isom said in a video statementWe are actively working with local state and federal authorities on emergency response efforts and the American Airlines care team has been activated to assist our passengers and their families,
he saidThat’s when I realized something was up."
He then showed undelivered messages on his phone saying
I’m just praying that someone is pulling her out of the river right now. That’s all I can pray for."
He addedShe texted me that they were landing in 20 minutes."
Hamaad Raza told WUSA from near Reagan National AirportPAT 25 pass behind the CRJ."
The controller made another call to the chopper just moments later, sayingOur team of highly trained professionals will be working around the clock to support our passengers, crew and their families how ever we can and we will update you as soon as we can,
he vowedWe understand and appreciate that people are eager for information
the CEO concludedOur cooperation is without pause and we want to learn everything we can about today's events
Isom continued