DC crash live updates: Trump says helicopter 'should have seen where they were going'

[Gunny]

At this point, having only listened to Trump, I lean toward agreeing with him. The end of National Airport's runway is the Potomac. One way in as far as I know. I understand military exercises and all, but not in the flat path of busy civilian airports.

I also have to agree that I'm having a hard time understanding how a helo pilot cannot see a freakin passenger jet in his path. That suggest to me flying only on instruments which I am not a fan of. We had helo pilots fly straight into the water because they were flying solely on instruments. Got eyes. Required to have 20/20 to be a military pilot.

The ATC did not respond to the situation in timely manner either. Warning came too late.

DC crash live updates: Trump says helicopter 'should have seen where they were going'

[hjmick]

He also said diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration, under Democratic presidents, were partly to blame for the crash. With absolutely zero evidence that was the case.


I guess we now know what kind of psychotic, narcissistic, piece of crap would make political hay out of a tragedy like this...

[fj1200]

He also said diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration, under Democratic presidents, were partly to blame for the crash. With absolutely zero evidence that was the case.


I guess we now know what kind of psychotic, narcissistic, piece of crap would make political hay out of a tragedy like this...

Completely agree but there were psychotic, narcissistic, pieces of crap making political hay after the plane barely hit the water. Not sure if the man-child was responding to the trolling from the night before or he's just mouthing off. Neither would surprise me.

[Gunny]

He also said diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration, under Democratic presidents, were partly to blame for the crash. With absolutely zero evidence that was the case.


I guess we now know what kind of psychotic, narcissistic, piece of crap would make political hay out of a tragedy like this...

I can see where he thinks he's going but agree with wrong time and place. And he, not the reporters, interjected it. Money can't buy class.

[Gunny]

The military/helo/military ATC are going to take the hit for this.

Then Trump and his echo chamber are going to blame DEI on grounds that all military involved should have been training on their jobs instead of DEI. At least that's where I see him trying to go. I agree with the sentiment.

IMO, no one should have been flying night training ops anywhere near a civilian airport in a metro area the size of DC. DEI's got nothing to do with that decision.

[Black Diamond]

He waited about as long as democrats do re gun control after a mass shooting.

[Gunny]

He waited about as long as democrats do re gun control after a mass shooting.

He claims to not be a Dem. I know I'm not. I don't act like them either. Kinda what sets us apart.

[hjmick]

He waited about as long as democrats do re gun control after a mass shooting.

I don't like that shit either. Same for natural disasters.

[Mr. P]

After 48 years in aviation, including 45 as a professional pilot and service as a warrant officer aviator, I have learned that experience breeds both confidence and humility. Having spent 15 years as a contract instructor at the United States Army Aviation School, I have trained and flown alongside some of the best, reinforcing the critical importance of discipline, preparation, and sound judgment.

As a civilian pilot,I have flown in and out of Washington National/Reagan Airport many times, and it is a challenge—especially at night. The combination of complex airspace, high traffic volume, and specific approach procedures demands precision and vigilance from both pilots and air traffic controllers. Situational awareness and decision-making under pressure are skills honed over years, but even the most seasoned pilots know that every flight is a learning experience.

One lesson I learned early in my career is that when an accident occurs, there is rarely a simple explanation. It is easy to speculate, but aviation demands patience and facts before conclusions. At this point, I see errors on both sides—ATC and the UH-60 crew—but final judgment must rest on a thorough investigation. In aviation, accountability is key, but so is fairness. The lessons learned from any incident must serve to improve safety and understanding, ensuring that future pilots and controllers are better prepared for the challenges they will face.

One more thing—take the news regarding this accident with a grain of salt. When they have time to fill, they just make stuff up. It drives me nuts !