Investigators said they'll lead a thorough investigation into the crash, promising to take as much time as needed to determine the cause of the tragedy.
The crew that was on board an American Airlines jet that collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. was based in Charlotte, the airline confirmed on Thursday.
The airline is not identifying the crew members out of respect for the families, according to CEO Robert Isom.
"The heartbreaking accident of Flight 5342 weighs heavily on our airline, the industry and the world," Isom's letter reads in part. "Right now, the strength of the entire airline is focused on taking care of the families and loved ones of those on board."
WCNC Charlotte's Jane Monreal spoke with a family member of Ian Epstein, who said they did not have any comment. The family confirmed the news in a post on social media. Epstein was a flight attendant on the plane.
Officials on Thursday said all 64 people aboard the American Airlines flight were feared to be dead. At least 28 bodies were pulled from the Potomac River after the helicopter apparently flew into the path of the jet late Wednesday as it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, officials said. #News
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