President Trump says midair plane collision “looks like it should have been prevented”
The tragic midair collision between a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines passenger plane has sparked widespread reactions from politicians and public figures, with many expressing sorrow, concern, and questions about how the incident occurred. President Donald Trump, who was briefed on the crash early Thursday morning, made his concerns clear in a series of posts. He described the situation as “a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented,” adding that the collision was particularly troubling given the conditions.
Trump explained that the airplane was on a “perfect and routine line of approach to the airport,” while the helicopter appeared to be heading directly toward the plane for an extended period. He pointed out the clear night skies and the visibility of the plane’s lights, questioning why the helicopter did not take evasive action, such as moving up, down, or turning. He also criticized the air traffic control tower for not giving the helicopter specific instructions, instead of asking if the helicopter crew had seen the plane. Trump’s comments reflected a deep frustration over the incident and a belief that it could have been avoided.
His social media posts, which came after an official statement from the White House, were notable for their pointed questions, but it was not immediately clear whether the president’s comments were based on verified, official briefings or his own interpretation of the incident. CNN reached out to the White House for clarification, but at the time, no further details were provided regarding the accuracy of the information Trump had received.
In his formal statement, President Trump also offered condolences, saying, “May God bless their souls,” and expressing his gratitude for the work of the first responders. He stated that he was closely monitoring the situation and promised to provide more updates as information became available.
Other political leaders also reacted with a mix of grief and concern. Newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took to social media to assure the public that the Pentagon was actively monitoring the situation and was “poised to assist if needed.” This statement reflected the readiness of the military to provide support in the aftermath of the crash.
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall responded with a more personal tone, describing the news of the crash as “nothing short of a nightmare.” He prayed for the victims, expressing his hope that God would provide comfort to the families affected by the tragedy.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins of Alexandria, Virginia, also offered her condolences on social media. Alexandria, which is located just south of Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport (DCA), is in close proximity to where the crash occurred. Gaskins wrote that her city was “devastated” by the news, and she expressed her support for the emergency personnel who were assisting in the regional response to the crash.
This midair collision is being seen as a significant and rare event in U.S. aviation history, as it marks the first major commercial crash in the country in more than 15 years. The last such crash occurred in February 2009, when a Continental Airlines flight operated by Colgan Air crashed in Buffalo, New York, while attempting to land. That crash killed 49 people and remains one of the most tragic in recent memory. Continental later merged with United Airlines in 2010.
Before that, the most notable American Airlines crash occurred in November 2001, when American Airlines Flight No. 587 crashed shortly after takeoff from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The Airbus A300, which was bound for Santo Domingo, crashed in the Belle Harbor area of Queens, killing 265 people. This disaster was particularly devastating because of the high number of fatalities and its timing, just two months after the 9/11 attacks.
The recent crash has reignited concerns about aviation safety, especially in light of how rare such incidents are. With the investigation into the cause of the crash ongoing, many are hoping to understand what went wrong and whether there were missed opportunities to prevent it. As the country waits for answers, the outpouring of support for the victims and their families continues, with many hoping for clearer answers and a resolution to the questions surrounding the incident.
In conclusion, the reactions to the midair collision highlight the emotional impact of such tragedies, as well as the political and public desire for answers. The comments from President Trump and other political figures reflect a mix of empathy, frustration, and concern about how a preventable disaster like this could have occurred. As investigations continue, the focus will likely remain on ensuring that future accidents can be avoided and that the families of the victims receive the support they need during this difficult time.
