Trump: DC Plane Crash Avoidable

President Trump attributes the tragedy to potential human error.

President Donald Trump stated that the mid-air collision between a US Army helicopter and a civilian airliner, resulting in 67 fatalities, could have been avoided, raising concerns about air traffic control procedures.

The H-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided with Flight 5342 during its final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday evening. Search and rescue efforts have concluded without locating any survivors in the frigid Potomac River.

“Given the CLEAR NIGHT and the plane’s bright lights, why didn’t the helicopter ascend, descend, or alter its course?” Trump questioned on his TruthSocial account Thursday morning.

The president also questioned the control tower’s inaction in directing the helicopter crew.

“This avoidable tragedy is unacceptable. NOT GOOD!!!” Trump added.

At the time of the 9 pm local time crash, the airport reported clear skies, 16km visibility, and northwest winds. The air temperature was 10°C, though parts of the Potomac River remained frozen due to recent cold weather.

The passenger aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by PSA Airlines (a subsidiary of American Airlines), was on its final approach to Runway 33. The flight, originating from Wichita, Kansas, carried 60 passengers and four crew members, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Among the passengers were several athletes, coaches, and family members returning from the US Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.

Approximately 300 first responders searched for survivors, but the operation transitioned from rescue to recovery efforts Thursday morning after no survivors were found.