Trump says Reagan National Airport crash could have been prevented: ‘CLEAR NIGHT’
President Donald Trump has suggested that the horrific collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C., could have been prevented. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his concerns about the incident, stating that the airplane was on a routine line of approach to the airport while the helicopter was heading straight towards the plane for an extended period of time. He questioned why the helicopter did not take evasive action and why the control tower did not provide guidance to prevent the collision.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport. The American Airlines flight, operating as Flight 5342, had departed from Wichita, Kansas, with 60 passengers and four crew members on board. The Black Hawk helicopter was carrying three Army soldiers. Among the passengers on the plane were several members of U.S. Figure Skating who had just attended the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.
The exact number of injuries and fatalities resulting from the collision has not yet been confirmed. Emergency response units have been deployed to the Potomac River, where the wreckage of the plane lies partially submerged. Despite the efforts of nearly 300 first responders, the chances of finding survivors are diminishing due to the freezing temperatures of the river.
Vice President JD Vance took to social media to express his condolences and urge prayers for those involved in the tragic incident. The National Transportation Safety Board, FAA, and the U.S. Army have initiated investigations into the collision. Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other officials are scheduled to hold a press conference to provide updates on the situation.
The airport remains closed following the collision, and efforts are underway to assess the extent of the damage and determine the cause of the crash. President Trump has expressed his sympathy for the victims and their families, calling the incident a terrible tragedy. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the collision and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The safety of air travel remains a top priority, and measures will be taken to ensure that such accidents are avoided in the future. The aviation community is coming together to support those affected by the collision and to learn from this tragic event to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
