Kansas senators demand answers after deadly DC plane crash

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Both of Kansas’ U.S. senators spoke on Thursday, delivering public comments for the second since the deadly plane crash Wednesday night in Washington, D.C. involving an American Airlines flight inbound from Wichita and a military helicopter.

Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall participated in a virtual call, sitting next to each other. They both expressed that Wednesday night into Thursday morning was the longest night of their lives.

The senators rushed to Ronald Reagan National Airport late Wednesday after a plane arriving from Wichita collided with an Army helicopter as it was preparing to land in D.C., resulting in a bright explosion in the D.C. skyline.

During the joint call, Moran and Marshall emphasized their focus on supporting the families who lost loved ones in the crash. Part of that support includes seeking answers about how and why the plane and helicopter collided.

Both senators criticized the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Thursday for not disclosing more information about the incident. Marshall pointed out that he believes a series of errors led to the crash.

“I’ll begin with air traffic control,” Marshall stated. “Why were the helicopter and the jet flying at the same altitude at the same time? I’m not a pilot, but I know there are some basic rules of the air.”

The NTSB announced on Thursday that there is no set deadline for the outcomes of the investigation into the crash, but they indicated that a preliminary report would be released in 30 days.

Moran is the chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation, the committee oversees the FAA. He will examine the NTSB investigation report, call for witnesses, and look into the military’s training practices near the Reagan National Airport.

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