Summary

An American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair near Reagan National Airport, killing at least 18 people.

Trump initially expressed condolences but later questioned why the air traffic control tower or helicopter pilot didn’t prevent the crash.

The FAA identified the plane as a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700.

A Kennedy Center webcam captured the collision, and investigations are ongoing.

CNN’s Pete Muntean called the incident stunning, noting its proximity to a military base.

  • cogman@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    Why was the army running a night flight training mission in DC?

    Such a crowded airspace and I’m sure the military didn’t coordinate their flight plans with the local air traffic control.

      • forrgott@lemm.ee
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        15 hours ago

        I wonder who was the point of contact on the FAA. Cause, if that happened to be the guy who was fired?

        That said, I do realize speculation won’t help. Apparently they’ve been overloading that airspace for a while now, allegedly just for the personal convenience of members of Congress. But of course they will find literally anybody else to blame.

    • Veedem@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      It’s a valid question, but I just watched a press conference where somebody explained that these aren’t rookie pilots but pilots looking to log the proper amount of flight hours.

    • SuperCub@sh.itjust.works
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      2 days ago

      I agree, the military is utterly incompetent and arrogant, so this wouldn’t surprise me if it’s the Army’s fault.

    • ramble81@lemm.ee
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      2 days ago

      Sadly the conspiracy theorist in me asks “who was on that plane that had a hit out out against them?” Latest was saying there were Russian figure skaters on board.

      I hate that my mind goes there but with this freaking administration, anything is possible.