American Eagle Flight 5342
Our union is responding to the tragic midair collision of PSA Flight 5342 with a military helicopter.
- Update
- AFA Statement on American Eagle Flight 5342
- Send a Message of Support to AFA PSA Flight Attendants
Update: February 4th, Donating to PSA 5342 Families and DCA FAA Operations Update
As Flight Attendants, we always look to take care of our passengers and each other. We’ve heard from many who want to help Ian and Danasia’s families in the aftermath of PSA Flight 5342.
All donations to our AFA Disaster Relief Fund this week will go to Ian and Danasia’s families. Together we can help take care of our AFA PSA Flight Attendant family.
Last night, Ian took his final flight home and will be laid to rest tomorrow in Charlotte. His service details are here — may his memory be a blessing. We do not yet have the final flight schedule for Danasia and the rest of the crew, but we will be on site to honor them and show their families our love too.
Thank you to every Flight Attendant and friend who has shared a message of solidarity and love through our support page.
Our union is an official party to the NTSB investigation and we support every effort to determine the facts of the accident so that we can assist the NTSB in the development of sound recommendations for any necessary changes to procedures throughout aviation for safety. This will take time and we should all assist with supporting the process to ensure the investigation provides the best possible guidance for us moving forward.
AFA EAP remains available should anyone need assistance at 800-424-2406. AFA EAP resources:
- Coping After a Major Airline Accident A Guide for Flight Attendants
- Grieving the Loss of a Coworker: Coping with Workplace Grief
- How to Help Children After a Disaster
We also wanted to update you on operational changes the FAA has made at DCA. Runway 33 — the runway AA5342 was scheduled to land on — is closed until at least February 7th. Additionally, the FAA has indefinitely closed the low-altitude helicopter corridor in use during the crash and one additional route around DCA.
AFA Statement on American Eagle Flight 5342
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 29, 2025) — Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson, representing 55,000 Flight Attendants at 20 airlines including PSA, released the following statement:
"Our union is responding to the tragic midair collision of PSA Flight 5342 with a military helicopter. Two AFA Flight Attendants were crewing the flight. While we mobilize to support the families and crews directly affected by this incident, we are also sending strength to all first responders doing everything they can to bring survivors to safety.
“We ask the public to keep the families in your thoughts and respect efforts to get information to loved ones first as everyone clings to hope for survivors. Please avoid speculation at any time.
“Our AFA EAP is mobilizing to provide support to all PSA Flight Attendants and anyone affected by this tragic event. AFA EAP is available for any Flight Attendant or family member in need, 800-424-2406. Please only call if you need assistance. We will set up a line for messages of support from the public and share that tomorrow morning.
“Let us all stay focused on saving lives.”
