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Several US figure skaters and coaches — including two world champions — were onboard American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport Wednesday night.The skaters had participated in the National Development Camp at the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, KS.last week, US Figure Skating confirmed to The Post.Spencer Lane, a rising star in the skating community, snapped a photo of the plane’s right wing moments before takeoff.The post read, “ICT to DCA,” showing the airport codes for Wichita Eisenhower and Reagan National.Only one flight makes the direct trip between airports each day and often departs at 5:18 p.m.
local time, according to FlightAware.Several coaches and parents of the skaters were also aboard the flight and returning home after the events that spanned from Jan.20 to Jan.
26.“We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts.We will continue to monitor the situation and will release more information as it becomes available,” US Figure Skating said.The International Skating Union, the worldwide governing body for several ice skating disciplines said it was deeply shocked by the tragic accident.“We are heartbroken to learn that Figure Skaters, along with their families, friends, and coaches, are understood to be among those on board,” it said on X.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.Figure skating is more than a sport—it’s a close-knit family—and we stand together.”World Champion husband-wife duo Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova were reportedly onboard the plane, according to Russian state-owned media.The couple are listed as coaches for their son Maxim Naumov – who placed fourth in the Men’s Free Skate Championship event.“Once again, Maxim made us all proud, getting on to the podium at Nationals after 7th place in the short.
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