section_path: Background/Aircraft
section_name: Aircraft
paragraph_text: Aircraft
  
  Flight 5342 was operated by a 20-year-old Bombardier CRJ700, a regional jet commonly used for short- to medium-haul flights. It was configured as a CRJ701ER, denoting a slightly higher seating capacity and extended range. Manufactured in September 2004, it bore the manufacturer's serial number 10165 and was registered as N709PS. PSA Airlines is owned by the American Airlines Group, which is also the parent company of American Airlines. No problems were reported as the plane took off from Wichita on its way to Washington. Flight 5342's route was only one year old. For many years, Kansas residents had needed to drive to adjacent Missouri and Oklahoma if they wanted to take long-distance flights. A year earlier, local leaders had finally convinced American Airlines to establish direct passenger air service from Kansas to the East Coast.
  
  The helicopter involved was a US Army Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk registered as 00-26860. The helicopter was configured for use as executive transportation for senior US officials and soldiers, and was flying under the callsign PAT25 indicating a "Priority Air Transport" flight. No senior officials were on board the helicopter. The helicopter, of B Company of the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, was on an annual and night vision goggles check flight out of Davison Army Airfield when the collision occurred. The helicopter was part of the Continuity of Government Plan, with the flight being a routine re-training of aircrew in night flight along the corridor. In emergencies, elements of the US government would use it to evacuate the capital.