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Kansas lawmakers marked the one-year anniversary of the deadly midair collision involving American Airlines Flight 5342 by honoring the 67 people killed and renewing calls for stronger aviation safety reforms.
The crash occurred on January 29, 2025, when the Wichita-bound commercial flight collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter just before landing at Reagan National Airport. The aircraft crashed into the Potomac River, killing all 64 passengers, four crew members, and three Army soldiers. It was the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years.
Seven of the victims were Kansans, and 28 were members of the U.S. figure skating community returning from a development camp in Wichita.
Sen. Jerry Moran urged Congress to act on aviation safety legislation, including the Rotor Act, citing National Transportation Safety Board findings that suggest the changes could have helped prevent the crash. Action on the bill has stalled in the House.
Rep. Sharice Davids submitted a statement to the Congressional Record honoring the victims and reaffirmed her commitment to aviation safety reforms. Davids has met with victims’ families, pressed federal agencies on safety concerns, and pledged to act on NTSB recommendations.
Sen. Roger Marshall also introduced a resolution honoring the victims and called for continued efforts to improve aviation safety and prevent future tragedies.


