Trump Blames Obsolete Air Traffic System For Deadly Collision

Sandy Woods closes her eyes for prayer during a candlelight vigil, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 in Alexandria, Va., for the victims of the mid-air collision of an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk hel

President Donald Trump has attributed last week's tragic collision between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter to what he described as an outdated computer system utilized by U.S. air traffic controllers. The incident occurred on Jan. 29 when an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter collided near Ronald Reagan National Airport, resulting in the loss of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft.

During a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump expressed his dismay at the occurrence of the accident and emphasized the need for a modernized air traffic control system. He criticized the current system as being antiquated and pieced together, advocating for a comprehensive and state-of-the-art replacement.

Trump highlighted the significant financial resources that have been allocated towards renovating the existing system, which he deemed as ineffective. He shared his personal experience of using a foreign air traffic control system when landing his private jet due to the perceived obsolescence of the U.S. system.

He advocates for a comprehensive and state-of-the-art replacement system.

President Trump criticizes current air traffic control system as antiquated and ineffective.

Financial resources have been allocated towards renovating the existing system.

Concerns about overburdened and understaffed air traffic control system have been raised.

Recent collision highlights the urgency of enhancing air traffic control systems.

NTSB is investigating the crash to confirm the altitude of the aircraft involved.

The Black Hawk helicopter involved in the collision is expected to be recovered for examination.

Concerns regarding the overburdened and understaffed air traffic control system have been raised by federal officials for several years, citing issues such as staffing shortages, uncompetitive pay, and mandatory retirements. Trump asserted that a modernized system would have provided timely alerts to prevent such tragic incidents, referencing the recent collision.

An investigation into the crash revealed that the air traffic controller did receive an alert about the converging aircraft but was unable to avert the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently focused on confirming the altitude of both the plane and the helicopter involved in the accident.

The Black Hawk helicopter, which remains submerged, is expected to be recovered later this week to facilitate a more detailed examination of the wreckage. This incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. since 2001, underscoring the urgency of enhancing air traffic control systems to ensure the safety of air travel.