Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the midair collision that occurred on Wednesday night between a passenger plane and a military helicopter. The incident took place while the helicopter was conducting a routine training mission, during which a mistake was made.
Secretary Hegseth emphasized that there are no excuses for the incident and that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause. The helicopter, carrying three servicemembers, was engaged in a routine annual training of night flights on a standard corridor for a continuity of government mission.
He acknowledged the inherent risks involved in military operations, stating that the military regularly performs dangerous tasks. However, he expressed deep regret over the mistake that led to the collision.
Secretary Hegseth highlighted that an elevation issue is being investigated at the Department of Defense (DOD) and Army levels. Immediate steps have been taken to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Defense Secretary's commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the midair collision underscores the seriousness with which the military approaches safety and training protocols. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in military operations, even during routine training missions.
