A tragic mid-air collision between a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night resulted in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River. Officials have confirmed that all 67 passengers and crew members aboard the plane are feared dead.
Trump’s Claim on Truth Social
Former US President Donald Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to claim that the Black Hawk helicopter was flying well above the permitted altitude.
“The Black Hawk helicopter was flying too high, by a lot. It was far above the 200-foot limit. That’s not really too complicated to understand, is it???” Trump wrote.
Recovery Efforts Underway
- So far, over 40 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River.
- Recovery divers are working to salvage aircraft debris as part of the ongoing investigation.
Helicopter Was Off Course, Say Investigators
Reports suggest that the Black Hawk helicopter was flying above 300 feet and had strayed at least half a mile off course when it collided with the jet.
Key findings from the New York Times report:
- The helicopter was assigned Route 4, a path requiring it to fly below 200 feet along the riverbank.
- The pilot did not follow the approved route and deviated into commercial airspace.
- Air traffic controllers had directed the pilot to stay behind the American Airlines plane, but the helicopter failed to maintain its designated altitude.
The FAA and NTSB are leading the probe into the aviation disaster, focusing on why the helicopter was flying at a higher altitude than allowed.
