Once again putting light on the Washington DC plane crash, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (Feb 6) that the crew in the control tower at the airport were "understaffed" and promised to "cut the old system loose" and make a great new system.
Trump arrived at the Capitol for the National Prayer Breakfast with Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson.&nbsp;
While talking about the Washington, DC, plane crash, which happened last week, Trump reiterated to have better control and equipment.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-all-67-bodies-recovered-from-deadly-collision-8693363">Washington DC plane crash: All 67 bodies recovered from deadly collision</a>
"We should have better control, better equipment&mdash;we have to find out what exactly happened. It should have never happened. We have to sit down and have a better computerized system," he said.&nbsp;
He said the odds of two things colliding in space are so small that "we should have had proper controls in place."
Stressing that the crew in the control tower at the airport was understaffed, Trump said, "I guess the helicopter was too high, but we'll find out what happened."
"Let's make a great system, they used 39 different companies, which may add many complex. We need only one company and one set system," the US president added.
He vowed to cut the old system loose and "spend less money to build a great new system."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-50501-movement-protesters-rally-across-us-against-trumps-policies-8696409">What is 50501 movement? Protesters rally across US against Trump's policies</a>
<h2>'Reminds me of assassination attempt'</h2>
Trump said that the deadly plane crash tragedy reminds him of the attempt on his life last July, when a shooter fired on him at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, and struck his ear.&nbsp;
He then talked for a while about the assassination attempt before returning to the deadly crash.&nbsp;
The US president said the incident has reminded him that one could never know when their time would come.
"I feel even stronger," Trump said of his belief, saying that God was involved in such events.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-man-sitting-in-restaurant-hit-by-debris-from-philadelphia-plane-crash-8685220">Video: Man sitting in restaurant hit by debris from Philadelphia plane crash</a>
He began his remarks by saying, "Very beautiful", adding that the US is starting to do very well again. "It's happening fast, a little faster than people thought."
He said that the US will be celebrating its 250th anniversary in July next year, adding that he intends to honour the nation's heroes and celebrate by signing an executive order for the creation of a new national park.
<h2>What is National Prayer Breakfast?</h2>
The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event, held on the first Thursday in February. It goes back to 1953 when President Dwight D Eisenhower was invited to join a prayer circle founded by Christian minister Abraham Vereide.
It has become one of the most important political events in Washington. It is a tradition for the US president to speak on the occasion.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sean-curran-agent-who-saved-trump-from-assassination-named-secret-service-chief-8645687">Sean Curran, agent who foiled Trump assassination bid, named Secret Service chief</a>
In past years, thousands of members of the American political establishment have met for a morning of eggs, coffee, and prayer.&nbsp;
However, this year it is being hosted by Congress inside the Capitol.&nbsp;
"An opportunity for Members of Congress to pray collectively for our nation, the President of the United States, and other national and international leaders in the spirit of love and reconciliation as Jesus of Nazareth taught 2,000 years ago," the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation website states.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: While talking about the Washington DC plane crash which happened last week, US President Trump reiterated to have better control and equipment. 

Once again putting light on the Washington DC plane crash, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday (Feb 6) that the crew in the control tower at the airport were "understaffed" and promised to "cut the old system loose" and make a great new system. Trump arrived at the Capitol for the National Prayer Breakfast with Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson. While talking about the Washington, DC, plane crash, which happened last week, Trump reiterated to have better control and equipment. Also read: Washington DC plane crash: All 67 bodies recovered from deadly collision "We should have better control, better equipment—we have to find out what exactly happened. It should have never happened. We have to sit down and have a better computerized system," he said. He said the odds of two things colliding in space are so small that "we should have had proper controls in place." Stressing that the crew in the control tower at the airport was understaffed, Trump said, "I guess the helicopter was too high, but we'll find out what happened." "Let's make a great system, they used 39 different companies, which may add many complex. We need only one company and one set system," the US president added. He vowed to cut the old system loose and "spend less money to build a great new system." Also read: What is 50501 movement? Protesters rally across US against Trump's policies 'Reminds me of assassination attempt' Trump said that the deadly plane crash tragedy reminds him of the attempt on his life last July, when a shooter fired on him at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, and struck his ear. He then talked for a while about the assassination attempt before returning to the deadly crash. The US president said the incident has reminded him that one could never know when their time would come. "I feel even stronger," Trump said of his belief, saying that God was involved in such events. Also read: Video: Man sitting in restaurant hit by debris from Philadelphia plane crash He began his remarks by saying, "Very beautiful", adding that the US is starting to do very well again. "It's happening fast, a little faster than people thought." He said that the US will be celebrating its 250th anniversary in July next year, adding that he intends to honour the nation's heroes and celebrate by signing an executive order for the creation of a new national park. What is National Prayer Breakfast? The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event, held on the first Thursday in February. It goes back to 1953 when President Dwight D Eisenhower was invited to join a prayer circle founded by Christian minister Abraham Vereide. It has become one of the most important political events in Washington. It is a tradition for the US president to speak on the occasion. Also read: Sean Curran, agent who foiled Trump assassination bid, named Secret Service chief In past years, thousands of members of the American political establishment have met for a morning of eggs, coffee, and prayer. However, this year it is being hosted by Congress inside the Capitol. "An opportunity for Members of Congress to pray collectively for our nation, the President of the United States, and other national and international leaders in the spirit of love and reconciliation as Jesus of Nazareth taught 2,000 years ago," the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation website states. (With inputs from agencies)

Crew at airport's control tower 'understaffed',  says Trump as he vows to cut old system loose

Two airport authority workers who manage the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport have been arrested for allegedly leaking surveillance video of the deadly Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/washington-plane-crash" rel="dofollow">DC plane crash</a> to US-based media outlet CNN.&nbsp;
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) staffers allegedly made an unauthorised copy of the records.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-deserve-this-jo-ellis-transgender-pilot-wrongly-named-in-washington-plane-crash-speaks-out-who-is-she-8682211" rel="dofollow">'I don&rsquo;t deserve this': Jo Ellis, transgender pilot wrongly named in Washington plane crash speaks out. Who is she? | WATCH</a>
After this came to light, the two workers now face charges of computer trespass, New York Post reported.&nbsp;
The deadly mid-air collision that happened on Wednesday (Jan 29), killed 67 people, who were onboard the plane and helicopter.&nbsp;
The crash shocked the whole nation and triggered a debate on the role of the military chopper in the collision.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-black-boxes-recovered-from-crashed-plane-in-washington-us-media-trump-confirms-no-survivors-8676429" rel="dofollow"> 'Black boxes' recovered from Washington DC plane crash that killed 67</a>
<h2>What is there in the video?&nbsp;</h2>
The exclusive video received by CNN gave a closer and clearer look at the mid-air disaster. In one of the clips, the chopper was seen darting from the left side of the screen as the American Airlines flight approached the airport.&nbsp;
A second short clip showed the Black Hawk military chopper, which was carrying three soldiers, and the Bombardier CRJ700 streaming toward each other before the two smash into each other and explode.&nbsp;
CNN reported that both videos were shot on mobile phones.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-washington-dc-plane-crash-live-updates-images-videos-news-8673252" rel="dofollow">Washington DC Plane Crash LIVE: Trump to speak on mid-air collision after official says 'no survivors expected'</a>
The MWAA said that Mohamed Lamine Mbengue, 21, of Rockville Maryland, and Jonathan Savoy, 45, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, were both charged.
Mbengue was booked into Arlington County Adult Detention Center but eventually released. Savoy, meanwhile, was issued a summons by the magistrate and cut loose.
The authorities have recovered most of the bodies of the 67 people who died in the crash.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) staffers allegedly made an unauthorised copy of the records and now are facing charges of computer trespass. 

Two airport authority workers who manage the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport have been arrested for allegedly leaking surveillance video of the deadly Washington DC plane crash to US-based media outlet CNN. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) staffers allegedly made an unauthorised copy of the records. Also read: 'I don’t deserve this': Jo Ellis, transgender pilot wrongly named in Washington plane crash speaks out. Who is she? | WATCH After this came to light, the two workers now face charges of computer trespass, New York Post reported. The deadly mid-air collision that happened on Wednesday (Jan 29), killed 67 people, who were onboard the plane and helicopter. The crash shocked the whole nation and triggered a debate on the role of the military chopper in the collision. Also read: 'Black boxes' recovered from Washington DC plane crash that killed 67 What is there in the video? The exclusive video received by CNN gave a closer and clearer look at the mid-air disaster. In one of the clips, the chopper was seen darting from the left side of the screen as the American Airlines flight approached the airport. A second short clip showed the Black Hawk military chopper, which was carrying three soldiers, and the Bombardier CRJ700 streaming toward each other before the two smash into each other and explode. CNN reported that both videos were shot on mobile phones. Also read: Washington DC Plane Crash LIVE: Trump to speak on mid-air collision after official says 'no survivors expected' The MWAA said that Mohamed Lamine Mbengue, 21, of Rockville Maryland, and Jonathan Savoy, 45, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, were both charged. Mbengue was booked into Arlington County Adult Detention Center but eventually released. Savoy, meanwhile, was issued a summons by the magistrate and cut loose. The authorities have recovered most of the bodies of the 67 people who died in the crash. (With inputs from agencies)

Two airport workers arrested for leaking video of DC plane crash. What was there in the video?

Preliminary data from the mid-air collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger plane in Washington showed conflicting readings of the altitudes of the two aircraft.
The deadliest US aviation disaster in nearly 25 years, which happened near Reagan National Airport, killed 67 people who were onboard the helicopter and plane.
<h2>Discrepancy in data</h2>
The CRJ700 plane was at an altitude of 325 feet (91 meters), plus or minus 25 feet, when the Black Hawk crashed into it, according to the investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-captain-rebecca-lobach-third-soldier-aboard-black-hawk-identified-in-dc-plane-crash-8682812">Who was Captain Rebecca Lobach, third soldier aboard Black Hawk identified in DC plane crash?</a>
However, the control tower data showed that the Army helicopter was flying over 200 feet (61 meters), the maximum altitude for the route it was using. This raises questions about the discrepancy in the altitudes, which was roughly 100 feet (30 meters).
The information came to light after the black box of the aircraft was recovered, which records the flight data on various parameters including speed and movements.
The helicopter&rsquo;s black box data is yet to be recovered, as it became waterlogged after the aircraft plunged into the Potomac River. The investigators hope to resolve this difference in altitude using the data from Black Hawk.
&ldquo;That's what our job is, to figure that out,&rdquo; NTSB board member Todd Inman told reporters when asked about what may be the reason behind the discrepancy.
Inman also said that the training flight of the helicopter would usually include the use of night-vision goggles.
&ldquo;We do not know at this time if the night-vision goggles were actually being worn, nor what the setting may be,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Further investigation should be able to let us know if that occurred and what factor it may play in the overall accident.&rdquo;
The data also confirmed that the helicopter was informed about the CRJ700 about two minutes before the collision.&nbsp;
The jet&rsquo;s flight recorder also revealed the change in its height a second before the collision, which may suggest that the plane tried to avoid the crash. However, the investigators did not confirm this.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-black-hawk-pilot-atc-missteps-obama-or-dei-hiring-whos-really-to-blame-8678560">Black Hawk pilot, ATC missteps, Obama, or DEI hiring: Who's really to blame for the Washington DC&nbsp;plane&nbsp;crash?</a>
<h2>Helicopter was practicing secret mission</h2>
On Wednesday (Jan 29) night, the Black Hawk was conducting training to prepare for a catastrophic event or attack on the US.
The 12th Aviation Battalion crew, which was onboard the UH-60 Black Hawk chopper, is responsible for carrying out a secret evacuation of top officials in case of a national emergency like a nuclear or terrorist attack on the US, according to the New York Post.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/figure-skating-champions-daughter-of-indian-immigrants-know-who-are-the-victims-of-washington-dc-plane-crash-8678185">Figure skating champions, daughter of Indian immigrants: Know who are the victims of Washington DC plane crash</a>
During a press conference on Thursday (Jan 30), US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the personnel aboard the helicopter &ldquo;were on a routine, annual retraining of night flights on a standard corridor for a continuity of government mission.&rdquo;
He further said that he can&rsquo;t share details on &ldquo;anything that&rsquo;s classified.&rdquo;
The tragic incident has raised concerns over the army for allowing pilots to conduct training near a high-traffic airport in a helicopter that was not equipped with the latest technology that may have alerted the air traffic control about its route.
Watch | Washington DC plane crash: At least 41 bodies recovered from air crash
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0102_debris_730am_wion/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0102_debris_730am_wion_.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=262&amp;tags=Washington, Plane Crash, World News, WION" title="Washington DC plane crash: At least 41 bodies recovered from air crash" id="PL_iframe_block-m6ne9a8n-w09j1s4r-w8fgsyi6"></iframe>
The search operations continue as the crew prepares to remove the wreckage of the aircraft from the Potomac River on Sunday (Jan 2). Until now, 42 bodies have been recovered, according to the Washington DC, fire department.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | The CRJ700 plane was at an altitude of 325 feet (91 meters), plus or minus 25 feet, at the time of the crash, according to the investigators. However, the control tower data showed that the Army helicopter was flying over 200 feet (61 meters).

Preliminary data from the mid-air collision between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger plane in Washington showed conflicting readings of the altitudes of the two aircraft. The deadliest US aviation disaster in nearly 25 years, which happened near Reagan National Airport, killed 67 people who were onboard the helicopter and plane. Discrepancy in data The CRJ700 plane was at an altitude of 325 feet (91 meters), plus or minus 25 feet, when the Black Hawk crashed into it, according to the investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board. Also read | Who was Captain Rebecca Lobach, third soldier aboard Black Hawk identified in DC plane crash? However, the control tower data showed that the Army helicopter was flying over 200 feet (61 meters), the maximum altitude for the route it was using. This raises questions about the discrepancy in the altitudes, which was roughly 100 feet (30 meters). The information came to light after the black box of the aircraft was recovered, which records the flight data on various parameters including speed and movements. The helicopter’s black box data is yet to be recovered, as it became waterlogged after the aircraft plunged into the Potomac River. The investigators hope to resolve this difference in altitude using the data from Black Hawk. “That's what our job is, to figure that out,” NTSB board member Todd Inman told reporters when asked about what may be the reason behind the discrepancy. Inman also said that the training flight of the helicopter would usually include the use of night-vision goggles. “We do not know at this time if the night-vision goggles were actually being worn, nor what the setting may be,” he said. “Further investigation should be able to let us know if that occurred and what factor it may play in the overall accident.” The data also confirmed that the helicopter was informed about the CRJ700 about two minutes before the collision. The jet’s flight recorder also revealed the change in its height a second before the collision, which may suggest that the plane tried to avoid the crash. However, the investigators did not confirm this. Also read | Black Hawk pilot, ATC missteps, Obama, or DEI hiring: Who's really to blame for the Washington DC plane crash? Helicopter was practicing secret mission On Wednesday (Jan 29) night, the Black Hawk was conducting training to prepare for a catastrophic event or attack on the US. The 12th Aviation Battalion crew, which was onboard the UH-60 Black Hawk chopper, is responsible for carrying out a secret evacuation of top officials in case of a national emergency like a nuclear or terrorist attack on the US, according to the New York Post. Also read | Figure skating champions, daughter of Indian immigrants: Know who are the victims of Washington DC plane crash During a press conference on Thursday (Jan 30), US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the personnel aboard the helicopter “were on a routine, annual retraining of night flights on a standard corridor for a continuity of government mission.” He further said that he can’t share details on “anything that’s classified.” The tragic incident has raised concerns over the army for allowing pilots to conduct training near a high-traffic airport in a helicopter that was not equipped with the latest technology that may have alerted the air traffic control about its route. Watch | Washington DC plane crash: At least 41 bodies recovered from air crash The search operations continue as the crew prepares to remove the wreckage of the aircraft from the Potomac River on Sunday (Jan 2). Until now, 42 bodies have been recovered, according to the Washington DC, fire department. (With inputs from agencies)

Washington DC Crash: Flight data raises more questions as discrepancies arise

An American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided and crashed into the Potomac River near Washington DC late Wednesday night (Jan 29) taking the lives of 67 people.
Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the American Airlines flight. A probe is underway to ascertain the cause of the crash, which was the deadliest air disaster in the US since 2001 and the first fatal crash involving an American airliner in nearly 15 years.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-american-airlines-jet-black-hawk-helicopter-critical-failures-deadliest-us-air-disaster-in-24-years-8678043" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster&nbsp;in&nbsp;24&nbsp;years</a>
A preliminary report of the incident is expected within 30 days. Even though the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said that it is &ldquo;too early to tell&rdquo; whether the crash resulted from human or mechanical error, politicians and even the President of the United States Donald Trump are pulling no stops to find someone to blame for the incident.
<h2>DEI hires, Biden, Obama are to blame for the crash: Donald Trump</h2>
During a press briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump said he believed that the crash "looks like it should have been prevented." He placed blame on past Democratic administrations of Joe Biden and Barack Obama, claiming that they had lowered hiring standards for air traffic controllers.
Trump also appeared to blame diversity hires for the crash saying, &ldquo;The FAA diversity push includes a focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing.&rdquo;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/figure-skating-champions-daughter-of-indian-immigrants-know-who-are-the-victims-of-washington-dc-plane-crash-8678185" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Figure skating champions, daughter of Indian immigrants: Know who are the victims of Washington DC plane crash</a>
Asked if the crash was caused by diversity hiring, he said: &ldquo;It just could have been.&rdquo;
&ldquo;I am not blaming the controller. So we don&rsquo;t know, but we do know that you had two planes at the same level. You had a helicopter and a plane. That shouldn&rsquo;t have happened,&rdquo; Trump said.
However, he admitted that he was unsure who was directly responsible for the disaster.
Trump's comments drew criticism from Democrats, with Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer, saying &ldquo;It&rsquo;s one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracies, it&rsquo;s another for the President of the United States to throw out idle speculation as bodies are still being recovered."
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-donald-trump-atc-us-transportation-secretary-sean-duffy-it-was-preventable-8675641" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was&nbsp;&lsquo;preventable&rsquo;</a>
<h2>Experts cite airspace protocol failures and air traffic control confusion</h2>
Flight path data shows that helicopters and aeroplanes operate on separate routes in the area, but these paths converge near Reagan National Airport. The American Airlines jet had been given clearance to land and, therefore, had the right of way.
Retired Lt. Col. Darin Gaub, a former Black Hawk pilot, told the New York Post that multiple factors contributed to the disaster. 
&ldquo;This is a two-part issue,&rdquo; he said.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-criticises-journalist-after-she-grills-him-for-blaming-democrats-dei-policies-for-washington-plane-crash-8676575" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for &lsquo;blaming&rsquo; Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash</a>
&ldquo;Was there a failure to follow established procedures in DC airspace, and was there a failure in air traffic control communication?&rdquo; he added.
<h2>Vague air traffic control instructions may have misled Black Hawk pilot</h2>
Video footage of the crash shows another aircraft taking off at the same time that the American Airlines jet was descending.
Instead of giving precise instructions, the controller reportedly asked the military pilot if he saw the &ldquo;CRJ&rdquo;, referring only to the aircraft type, without specifying its exact location.
&ldquo;The language should be much clearer,&rdquo; Gaub said. &ldquo;Normally, a controller would say something like, &lsquo;Black Hawk, do you see the aircraft at your 11 o&rsquo;clock, five miles out, moving north?&rsquo;&rdquo;
Vague instructions may have led the Black Hawk pilot to look in the wrong direction. &ldquo;That kind of general call isn&rsquo;t enough in a crowded airspace,&rdquo; Gaub said.
Former Air Force pilot and Congressman Adam Kinzinger defended the air traffic controllers, stating in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) that &ldquo;air traffic control did its job&rdquo; by alerting the Black Hawk of the approaching jet.
<h2>Military pilot&rsquo;s actions under scrutiny in crash investigation</h2>
However, experts believe the military pilot could have been responsible for the crash.
&ldquo;Why didn&rsquo;t he turn? Why didn&rsquo;t he even slow down?&rdquo; Gaub questioned. &ldquo;Something caused him not to see that aircraft &hellip; so I&rsquo;d just like to know why they didn&rsquo;t deviate from their flight course at all&mdash;whether in speed or altitude.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Even though it is “too early to tell,” experts, politicians and even US President Trump are pulling no stops to find someone to blame for the Washington DC plane crash.

An American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided and crashed into the Potomac River near Washington DC late Wednesday night (Jan 29) taking the lives of 67 people. Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the American Airlines flight. A probe is underway to ascertain the cause of the crash, which was the deadliest air disaster in the US since 2001 and the first fatal crash involving an American airliner in nearly 15 years. Also read: Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster in 24 years A preliminary report of the incident is expected within 30 days. Even though the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said that it is “too early to tell” whether the crash resulted from human or mechanical error, politicians and even the President of the United States Donald Trump are pulling no stops to find someone to blame for the incident. DEI hires, Biden, Obama are to blame for the crash: Donald Trump During a press briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump said he believed that the crash "looks like it should have been prevented." He placed blame on past Democratic administrations of Joe Biden and Barack Obama, claiming that they had lowered hiring standards for air traffic controllers. Trump also appeared to blame diversity hires for the crash saying, “The FAA diversity push includes a focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing.” Also read: Figure skating champions, daughter of Indian immigrants: Know who are the victims of Washington DC plane crash Asked if the crash was caused by diversity hiring, he said: “It just could have been.” “I am not blaming the controller. So we don’t know, but we do know that you had two planes at the same level. You had a helicopter and a plane. That shouldn’t have happened,” Trump said. However, he admitted that he was unsure who was directly responsible for the disaster. Trump's comments drew criticism from Democrats, with Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer, saying “It’s one thing for internet pundits to spew off conspiracies, it’s another for the President of the United States to throw out idle speculation as bodies are still being recovered." Also read: 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was ‘preventable’ Experts cite airspace protocol failures and air traffic control confusion Flight path data shows that helicopters and aeroplanes operate on separate routes in the area, but these paths converge near Reagan National Airport. The American Airlines jet had been given clearance to land and, therefore, had the right of way. Retired Lt. Col. Darin Gaub, a former Black Hawk pilot, told the New York Post that multiple factors contributed to the disaster. “This is a two-part issue,” he said. Also read: Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for ‘blaming’ Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash “Was there a failure to follow established procedures in DC airspace, and was there a failure in air traffic control communication?” he added. Vague air traffic control instructions may have misled Black Hawk pilot Video footage of the crash shows another aircraft taking off at the same time that the American Airlines jet was descending. Instead of giving precise instructions, the controller reportedly asked the military pilot if he saw the “CRJ”, referring only to the aircraft type, without specifying its exact location. “The language should be much clearer,” Gaub said. “Normally, a controller would say something like, ‘Black Hawk, do you see the aircraft at your 11 o’clock, five miles out, moving north?’” Vague instructions may have led the Black Hawk pilot to look in the wrong direction. “That kind of general call isn’t enough in a crowded airspace,” Gaub said. Former Air Force pilot and Congressman Adam Kinzinger defended the air traffic controllers, stating in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “air traffic control did its job” by alerting the Black Hawk of the approaching jet. Military pilot’s actions under scrutiny in crash investigation However, experts believe the military pilot could have been responsible for the crash. “Why didn’t he turn? Why didn’t he even slow down?” Gaub questioned. “Something caused him not to see that aircraft … so I’d just like to know why they didn’t deviate from their flight course at all—whether in speed or altitude.” (With inputs from agencies)

Black Hawk pilot, ATC missteps, Obama, or DEI hiring: Who's really to blame for the Washington DC plane crash?

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 31) said that the military helicopter was flying too high at the time of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/washington-plane-crash" rel="dofollow">Washington DC plane crash</a>, that killed 67 people on board.&nbsp;
In a Truth Social post, Trump said that the helicopter was far above the 200-foot limit.
"The Blackhawk helicopter was flying too high, by a lot. It was far above the 200-foot limit. That&rsquo;s not really too complicated to understand, is it???," he said in the post.&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/113923147334338299/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

More than 40 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, a law enforcement official reportedly told the Associated Press.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-black-boxes-recovered-from-crashed-plane-in-washington-us-media-trump-confirms-no-survivors-8676429" rel="dofollow">'Black boxes' recovered from Washington DC plane crash that killed 67</a>
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the black boxes onboard the Black Hawk helicopter have not yet been recovered.&nbsp;
&ldquo;That might tell us exactly who was piloting that Black Hawk," he said, adding, &ldquo;if any confusion was there at the end.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Someone was at the wrong altitude&rdquo; Hegseth added. &ldquo;The investigation will help us understand that. Was the BlackHawk too high, was it on course? Right now we don&rsquo;t know.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/figure-skating-champions-daughter-of-indian-immigrants-know-who-are-the-victims-of-washington-dc-plane-crash-8678185" rel="dofollow">Figure skating champions, daughter of Indian immigrants: Know who are the victims of Washington DC plane crash</a>
Currently, the US Federal Aviation Administration is restricting helicopter flights near Reagan National Airport indefinitely, a FAA official reportedly told Reuters.
National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said on Friday that they have hundreds of people in this investigation.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Today will be yet another day of the teams going out there&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re out in the field. They&rsquo;re collecting data. They&rsquo;ve started interviews.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-american-airlines-jet-black-hawk-helicopter-critical-failures-deadliest-us-air-disaster-in-24-years-8678043" rel="dofollow">Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster in 24 years</a>
Earlier, Trump suggested that efforts to increase diversity at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could have been a cause in the crash.
Moreover, the NTSB on Thursday announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the passenger jet. The recording devices commonly known as black boxes were recovered from the crashed plane operated by an American Airlines subsidiary.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Pete Hegseth said that the black boxes onboard the Black Hawk helicopter have not yet been recovered, adding, 'itt might tell us who was piloting that Black Hawk'.  

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 31) said that the military helicopter was flying too high at the time of the Washington DC plane crash, that killed 67 people on board. In a Truth Social post, Trump said that the helicopter was far above the 200-foot limit. "The Blackhawk 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???," he said in the post. More than 40 bodies have been recovered from the Potomac River, a law enforcement official reportedly told the Associated Press. Also read: 'Black boxes' recovered from Washington DC plane crash that killed 67 US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the black boxes onboard the Black Hawk helicopter have not yet been recovered. “That might tell us exactly who was piloting that Black Hawk," he said, adding, “if any confusion was there at the end.” “Someone was at the wrong altitude” Hegseth added. “The investigation will help us understand that. Was the BlackHawk too high, was it on course? Right now we don’t know.” Also read: Figure skating champions, daughter of Indian immigrants: Know who are the victims of Washington DC plane crash Currently, the US Federal Aviation Administration is restricting helicopter flights near Reagan National Airport indefinitely, a FAA official reportedly told Reuters. National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman said on Friday that they have hundreds of people in this investigation. “Today will be yet another day of the teams going out there” he said. “They’re out in the field. They’re collecting data. They’ve started interviews.” Also read: Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster in 24 years Earlier, Trump suggested that efforts to increase diversity at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could have been a cause in the crash. Moreover, the NTSB on Thursday announced that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the passenger jet. The recording devices commonly known as black boxes were recovered from the crashed plane operated by an American Airlines subsidiary. (With inputs from agencies)

'Not too complicated to understand', Trump says helicopter involved in Washington crash was flying 'too high'

The United States is reeling from the aftermath of the deadly Washington DC plane crash that took the lives of 67 people. After relentless rescue operations, at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the plane and the Black Hawk helicopter which crashed into the Potomac River.
<h2>Big question: What led to the crash?</h2>
Almost everyone is weighing in on the cause of the crash. According to officials and aviation experts, a series of critical air safety lapses and last-minute errors led to the devastating midair collision over the Potomac River. But before we get into the blame game, let's understand what happened.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-donald-trump-atc-us-transportation-secretary-sean-duffy-it-was-preventable-8675641" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was&nbsp;&lsquo;preventable&rsquo;</a>
<h2>Washington DC plane crash: What happened?</h2>
Late on Wednesday night, American Airlines Flight 5342, travelling from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter belonging to the U.S. Army. The crash happened just 400 feet above the Potomac River, close to Washington, DC.
The Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, exploded on impact, breaking into three parts as it neared Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This tragedy marks the deadliest air disaster in the US since 2001 and the first fatal crash involving an American airliner in nearly 15 years. 
Rescue teams worked through the night to recover bodies from the freezing waters of the Potomac. Officials confirmed that no one survived.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-criticises-journalist-after-she-grills-him-for-blaming-democrats-dei-policies-for-washington-plane-crash-8676575" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for &lsquo;blaming&rsquo; Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash</a>
<h2>Miscommunication and operational failures</h2>
Investigations suggest that miscommunication and operational failures played a significant role in the collision. 
According to an initial Federal Aviation Administration report, cited by the New York Times, the Associated Press and others, staffing levels were &ldquo;not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic&rdquo;.
According to the report, at the time of the crash, a single air traffic controller was handling the workload of two people, despite ongoing concerns over staffing shortages, burnout, and stress among Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees.
<h2>Prior warnings</h2>
Radio transmissions from Wednesday night indicate that the controller warned the helicopter about its proximity to the incoming CRJ700. The Black Hawk pilot heard the warning but, according to experts, may have mistaken a different aircraft for the approaching American Airlines jet. Believing he needed to evade a similar model jet taking off elsewhere, he failed to spot Flight 5342 until it was too late.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-raps-biden-obama-for-hiring-mediocre-staff-after-washington-dc-plane-crash-confirms-no-survivors-8675951" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Trump raps Biden, Obama for hiring 'mediocre staff' after Washington DC plane crash, confirms&nbsp;'no&nbsp;survivors'</a>
<h2>Dangerously tight airspace</h2>
The Black Hawk, with three crew members on board, had taken off from Langley, Virginia. As per experts cited by the New York Post, it was flying at an altitude of approximately 400 feet when it struck the descending jet, which had been cleared for landing.
The airspace around Reagan National Airport is tight, with only 50 feet separating the highest altitude allowed for helicopters from the lowest permitted altitude for descending aircraft. &ldquo;That leaves almost no margin for error,&rdquo; former American Airlines pilot John Wright, who previously flew in the Washington, DC area told the New York Post.
During a press briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump said he believed that the crash "looks like it should have been prevented." He placed blame on past Democratic administrations, claiming that they had lowered hiring standards for air traffic controllers.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-we-know-about-washington-dc-plane-crash-deadliest-us-airline-crash-in-nearly-24-years-8676133" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years</a>
&ldquo;The FAA diversity push includes focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing,&rdquo; Trump remarked. However, he admitted that he was unsure who was directly responsible for the disaster.
<h2>Investigation underway; preliminary report expected within 30 days</h2>
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has said that it is &ldquo;too early to tell&rdquo; whether the crash resulted from human or mechanical error. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. 
As investigations continue, grieving families and aviation authorities are demanding answers to prevent another tragedy of this scale.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: At least 28 bodies have been bodies have been recovered from the plane and the Black Hawk helicopter which crashed into the Potomac River.

The United States is reeling from the aftermath of the deadly Washington DC plane crash that took the lives of 67 people. After relentless rescue operations, at least 28 bodies have been recovered from the plane and the Black Hawk helicopter which crashed into the Potomac River. Big question: What led to the crash? Almost everyone is weighing in on the cause of the crash. According to officials and aviation experts, a series of critical air safety lapses and last-minute errors led to the devastating midair collision over the Potomac River. But before we get into the blame game, let's understand what happened. Also read: 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was ‘preventable’ Washington DC plane crash: What happened? Late on Wednesday night, American Airlines Flight 5342, travelling from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter belonging to the U.S. Army. The crash happened just 400 feet above the Potomac River, close to Washington, DC. The Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, exploded on impact, breaking into three parts as it neared Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This tragedy marks the deadliest air disaster in the US since 2001 and the first fatal crash involving an American airliner in nearly 15 years. Rescue teams worked through the night to recover bodies from the freezing waters of the Potomac. Officials confirmed that no one survived. Also read: Donald Trump criticises journalist after she grills him for ‘blaming’ Democrats, DEI policies for Washington plane crash Miscommunication and operational failures Investigations suggest that miscommunication and operational failures played a significant role in the collision. According to an initial Federal Aviation Administration report, cited by the New York Times, the Associated Press and others, staffing levels were “not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic”. According to the report, at the time of the crash, a single air traffic controller was handling the workload of two people, despite ongoing concerns over staffing shortages, burnout, and stress among Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees. Prior warnings Radio transmissions from Wednesday night indicate that the controller warned the helicopter about its proximity to the incoming CRJ700. The Black Hawk pilot heard the warning but, according to experts, may have mistaken a different aircraft for the approaching American Airlines jet. Believing he needed to evade a similar model jet taking off elsewhere, he failed to spot Flight 5342 until it was too late. Also read: Trump raps Biden, Obama for hiring 'mediocre staff' after Washington DC plane crash, confirms 'no survivors' Dangerously tight airspace The Black Hawk, with three crew members on board, had taken off from Langley, Virginia. As per experts cited by the New York Post, it was flying at an altitude of approximately 400 feet when it struck the descending jet, which had been cleared for landing. The airspace around Reagan National Airport is tight, with only 50 feet separating the highest altitude allowed for helicopters from the lowest permitted altitude for descending aircraft. “That leaves almost no margin for error,” former American Airlines pilot John Wright, who previously flew in the Washington, DC area told the New York Post. During a press briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump said he believed that the crash "looks like it should have been prevented." He placed blame on past Democratic administrations, claiming that they had lowered hiring standards for air traffic controllers. Also read: What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years “The FAA diversity push includes focus on hiring people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. That is amazing,” Trump remarked. However, he admitted that he was unsure who was directly responsible for the disaster. Investigation underway; preliminary report expected within 30 days The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has said that it is “too early to tell” whether the crash resulted from human or mechanical error. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. As investigations continue, grieving families and aviation authorities are demanding answers to prevent another tragedy of this scale. (With inputs from agencies)

Washington DC plane crash: How 'critical failures,' last-minute errors resulted in deadliest US air disaster in 24 years

US President Donald Trump expresses sorrow after confirming that there are no survivors in the tragic plane crash in Washington DC.

Donald Trump On Washington Plane Crash: ‘there are sadly no survivors’

An American Airlines plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an army helicopter on Thursday (Jan 30) while landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the US.&nbsp;
As the recovery operation continued, the fire chief said that they are not expecting any survivors.&nbsp;
John Donnelly, the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief, in Washington, DC said that they are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane, and one from the helicopter.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-didnt-helicopter-go-up-or-down-trump-says-the-crash-should-have-been-prevented-8674669" rel="dofollow">'Why didn't helicopter go up or down': Trump says the crash 'should have been prevented'</a>
The plane crashed in the Potomac River after the collision. Search and rescue teams immediately started working on rescuing people, however, nobody was rescued.&nbsp;
The crash is the first fatal commercial plane crash in the US since 2009, when a Bombardier HDC-8 propeller plane went down near Buffalo, New York. The incident led to loss of 49 lives, including 45 passengers and four crew members.&nbsp;
<h2>What happened and when?&nbsp;</h2>
A PSA Airlines jet operating as American Airlines 5342 collided with a US Army helicopter at around 9:00 pm local time on Wednesday, as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated.&nbsp;
The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700 departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 64 people onboard.&nbsp;
The helicopter involved in the crash was a Sikorsky Black Hawk army helicopter that took off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia, the Pentagon said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-washington-dc-plane-crash-live-updates-images-videos-news-8673252" rel="dofollow">Washington DC Plane Crash LIVE: Trump to speak on mid-air collision after official says 'no survivors expected'</a>
Before the scheduled landing, air traffic controllers (ATC) asked the pilots if they could land on Runway 33. The flight-tracking sites showed that the pilots adjusted their flight path to align with the request.&nbsp;
Also, just less than 30 seconds before the crash, an ATC asked the army helicopter if it could see the arriving plane.&nbsp;
&ldquo;PAT25 [army helicopter], do you have a CRJ [American Airlines plane] in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ,&rdquo; an air traffic controller said at 8:47 pm (ET on Wednesday, 01:47 GMT on Thursday).
Later, as it crashed, air traffic controllers were heard saying, Crash, crash, crash, this is an alert three.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven&rsquo;t seen anything since they hit the river. But it was a CRJ and a helicopter that hit,&rdquo; another controller said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apparent-air-crash-in-potomac-river-washington-police-8669725" rel="dofollow">VIDEO | White House says passenger jet collided midair with helicopter over Washington</a>
As it collided, the passenger plane broke into multiple pieces and sunk several feet into the river. Meanwhile, the helicopter ended up upside down on the water.&nbsp;
Notably, three US soldiers were on board the helicopter, Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said.&nbsp;
According to an official, the helicopter was on a training flight and belonged to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion from Fort Belvoir in Virginia.
The FAA, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be investigating the incident.&nbsp;
<h2>How many people affected?&nbsp;</h2>
The officials don't believe that there are any survivors from the crash, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said during a press briefing on Thursday.&nbsp;
He added that 28 bodies have been recovered so far, out of which 27 are from the plane and one from the helicopter.&nbsp;
US Figure Skating said "Several members of our skating community were sadly aboard" the flight.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-latest-news-donald-trump-atc-us-transportation-secretary-sean-duffy-it-was-preventable-8675641" rel="dofollow">'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was &lsquo;preventable&rsquo;</a>
It further said that the group also included athletes, coaches, and family members who were returning home from a development camp in Kansas.&nbsp;
Moreover, Russian citizens were also onboard the plane, as confirmed by the Kremlin. &ldquo;There were other of our fellow citizens on board. It&rsquo;s bad news today from Washington. We are sorry and send our condolences to families and friends,&rdquo; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.&nbsp;
<h2>Trump said 'crash was preventable'</h2>
US President Donald Trump called the crash a "terrible accident", saying that he was monitoring the situation closely.&nbsp;
He further took to Truth Social, raising questions as he said the incident should have been prevented.&nbsp;
"This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!," he posted.&nbsp;
<h2>Trump blames Biden, Obama for hiring 'mediocre staff'</h2>
Trump accused former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama of lowering air safety standards, saying that Obama allegedly hired "mediocre" staff for air traffic control jobs that require "superior intelligence".
He continued to take a swipe at the former presidents, saying that as he took office in 2016, he changed it, adding that Biden, however, after taking over, changed them back to "lower than before".
&ldquo;We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,&rdquo; Trump said. &ldquo;I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World: The plane crashed in the Potomac River after the collision. Search and rescue teams immediately started working on rescuing people, however, nobody could be rescued.

An American Airlines plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an army helicopter on Thursday (Jan 30) while landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the US. As the recovery operation continued, the fire chief said that they are not expecting any survivors. John Donnelly, the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief, in Washington, DC said that they are switching from a rescue operation to a recovery operation. Meanwhile, 27 bodies have been recovered from the plane, and one from the helicopter. Also read: 'Why didn't helicopter go up or down': Trump says the crash 'should have been prevented' The plane crashed in the Potomac River after the collision. Search and rescue teams immediately started working on rescuing people, however, nobody was rescued. The crash is the first fatal commercial plane crash in the US since 2009, when a Bombardier HDC-8 propeller plane went down near Buffalo, New York. The incident led to loss of 49 lives, including 45 passengers and four crew members. What happened and when? A PSA Airlines jet operating as American Airlines 5342 collided with a US Army helicopter at around 9:00 pm local time on Wednesday, as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated. The plane, a Bombardier CRJ700 departed from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 64 people onboard. The helicopter involved in the crash was a Sikorsky Black Hawk army helicopter that took off from Fort Belvoir in Virginia, the Pentagon said. Also read: Washington DC Plane Crash LIVE: Trump to speak on mid-air collision after official says 'no survivors expected' Before the scheduled landing, air traffic controllers (ATC) asked the pilots if they could land on Runway 33. The flight-tracking sites showed that the pilots adjusted their flight path to align with the request. Also, just less than 30 seconds before the crash, an ATC asked the army helicopter if it could see the arriving plane. “PAT25 [army helicopter], do you have a CRJ [American Airlines plane] in sight? PAT25, pass behind the CRJ,” an air traffic controller said at 8:47 pm (ET on Wednesday, 01:47 GMT on Thursday). Later, as it crashed, air traffic controllers were heard saying, Crash, crash, crash, this is an alert three. “I just saw a fireball and then it was just gone. I haven’t seen anything since they hit the river. But it was a CRJ and a helicopter that hit,” another controller said. Also read: VIDEO | White House says passenger jet collided midair with helicopter over Washington As it collided, the passenger plane broke into multiple pieces and sunk several feet into the river. Meanwhile, the helicopter ended up upside down on the water. Notably, three US soldiers were on board the helicopter, Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said. According to an official, the helicopter was on a training flight and belonged to B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion from Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The FAA, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be investigating the incident. How many people affected? The officials don't believe that there are any survivors from the crash, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said during a press briefing on Thursday. He added that 28 bodies have been recovered so far, out of which 27 are from the plane and one from the helicopter. US Figure Skating said "Several members of our skating community were sadly aboard" the flight. Also read: 'Helicopter knew there was a plane': Trump, US transportation secretary say deadly Washington DC crash was ‘preventable’ It further said that the group also included athletes, coaches, and family members who were returning home from a development camp in Kansas. Moreover, Russian citizens were also onboard the plane, as confirmed by the Kremlin. “There were other of our fellow citizens on board. It’s bad news today from Washington. We are sorry and send our condolences to families and friends,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Trump said 'crash was preventable' US President Donald Trump called the crash a "terrible accident", saying that he was monitoring the situation closely. He further took to Truth Social, raising questions as he said the incident should have been prevented. "This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!," he posted. Trump blames Biden, Obama for hiring 'mediocre staff' Trump accused former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama of lowering air safety standards, saying that Obama allegedly hired "mediocre" staff for air traffic control jobs that require "superior intelligence". He continued to take a swipe at the former presidents, saying that as he took office in 2016, he changed it, adding that Biden, however, after taking over, changed them back to "lower than before". “We must have only the highest standards for those who work in our aviation system,” Trump said. “I changed the Obama standards from very mediocre at best to extraordinary.” (With inputs from agencies)

What we know about Washington DC plane crash, deadliest US air tragedy in nearly 24 years

Former President Donald Trump comments on the Washington plane crash, stating that the tragic incident should have been prevented and expressing concern over aviation safety.

Washington Plane Crash: Crash should have been prevented, not good says US President Trump

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Crew at airport's control tower 'understaffed', says Trump as he vows to cut old system loose