#PlaneFailure

[usa-update-4u]

Several U.S. figure skaters and coaches, including two world champions, were aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.

The skaters had attended the National Development Camp at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas, last week, according to U.S. Figure Skating.

Spencer Lane, a promising young skater, captured a photo of the plane’s right wing just before takeoff.

He shared the image with the caption “ICT to DCA,” referencing the airport codes for Wichita Eisenhower and Reagan National.

[usa-update-4u]

It's 6 a.m. in Washington. Here are the latest updates on the deadly aircraft collision.

A major search operation is underway after an American Airlines passenger jet with 64 people on board collided midair with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three soldiers near Reagan National Airport, just outside Washington, DC, officials said.

American Airlines Flight 5342, operated by PSA Airlines, was flying from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.